Here are the results of the CULE convention survy, read below or download a pdf here: CULE Convention Survey Results. 36 replies were received …
Were you a CULE member in 2006 and did you attend the CULE Convention in Cuba in January, 2006?
Yes, I was a member(35)
No, I was not a member (1)
Yes, I did attend the CULE Convention (28)
No, I did not attend the CULE Convention (8)
If yes, what did you enjoy about that experience?
location
combining work and pleasure
traveling to Cuba and experiencing the country
helping and visiting the school and hospital
solidarity work and Cubanpeople
visiting somewhere where Solidaritywork really benefits
everything, it was great
being in Havana the day of the huge demo
meetings where people shared where they had been and what they had seen
Meeting other CULE members away from the workplace, away from voicemail, e-mail, etc.
the social justice cause and the international perspective combined with the opportunity to discover and experience another culture.
wonderful experience, best of all – no cell phones – we couldn’t be reached.
my co-workers’ company, a chance for discussion.
Solidarity, social justice experience, beach-convention business.
the time to connect with CULE brothers and sisters outside of the employer’s premises.
the international solidarity work.
getting together with all of CULE and their partners
seeing how fortunate we are as Canadians
All of it
convention and the daily meetings that we had
meeting everyone and having the time and privacy to meet.
the camaraderie, the solidarity, school visit, convention, outings, everything
chance to meet other CULE members, both at Convention and in a social setting, good location, no cell phones and e-mail difficult (this was good).
having most of us together, meeting other CULE members
great getting to meet other CULE members and no interruptions
camaraderie and social justice and the SUN!!!
getting us all together, the visits to the school, hospital, camaraderie among CULE members, Marion’s contribution was top notch!
happy to see another part of the world, loved the sun
meeting all the staff, convention was well run
I enjoyed all the sessions and being part of a team
wonderful to have both units together and discuss issues of concern and get to know staff from other regions and have fun
the location, surroundings, getting to know coworkers better and enhancing our teamwork
meeting with colleagues from across Canada, fun with the family, real relaxing time
First time I had an opportunity to be with a majority of CULE members
If yes, what do you think could improve that experience?
better preparation for Convention process beforehand
longer duration of Convention
smoke free (X 3)
I think Cuba lacked a ‘real’ or ‘traditional’ trade union perspective. I think we can enhance our perspective by attending a country that has trade union who can speak about their struggles, successes and challenges.
agenda time for caucus meetings
all member dinner together
increased dues to do it every 2 to 3 years
continue CULE solidarity work
more group activities
more outings to schools, factories, hospitals, etc.
more networking with the local Unions
more work and attendance at daily educational
quicker turn around time in Constitutional changes
it would have been nice if more CULE members could have joined us, especially those from NEU.
more access to schools or other people we can help
it would be nice if all CULE members could attend, it was the 1st Convention so there is always a learning curve.
I thought the price was a bit steep
more accessibility
better travel arrangements, better food
perhaps travel made it inaccessible for some, but would everyone have been there even if it was on their doorstep?
If no, why did you not attend?
Personal reasons (4)
Prior Commitments (0)
Other, please comment
Might have gone if I had known there was a social justice component
I did not like the process that rolled out
hypocrisy of taking advantage of low Cuban workers wages and working conditions under the guise of international solidarity and social justice. Paid vacation.
problems with getting a passport
did not want to spend my money outside of Canada. Practice what we preach, but can/may reconsider.
Were there barriers that prevented you from attending the Convention that you feel CULE could address?
Yes (7)
No (23)
If yes, what were the barriers?
I was concerned about the party atmosphere (needlessly as it turns out)
Timing of the convention
smoking – asthma and similar problems
not a smoke free facility (x 2)
Convention should only be held in Canada
heat
family care at home
monetary issues
If yes, what suggestions can you give so that CULE might explore ways to remove those barriers?
list ahead of time of behavioural expectations such (i.e.: harassment, alcohol free, scent free)
hold a survey on the date of Convention
smoke free/scent free location (X 2)
Scrap convention altogether and use the money for a strike fund.
talk with convention facilities to ensure accessibility, elevators, smoke free, scent free, full menus with options (vegan, diabetic and allergies) child care
go somewhere not so hot next time
Are you aware of any other barriers or difficulties that any CULE member faced or may face that prevented them or prevents them from attending Convention that you feel CULE could be able to address?
Yes (10)
No (24)
If yes, what are the barriers?
smoking (x 4)
open communication
being able to attend
the few who stuck by their ‘own version’ of trade unionism and solidarity are disliked as being a reminder of what others should have done.
family responsibilities
medical issues
childcare (x 2)
family responsibilities, passports, mindsets
If yes, what suggestions can you give so that CULE might explore ways to remove those barriers?
ensure place can accommodate people that cannot tolerate second hand smoke
answer members’ questions (though I think that has been addressed)
video conferencing via web link or similar arrangements during convention for those not able to be there physically
Canada only conventions
family care – provide financial assistance by (1)either bringing a family member or (2) have them looked after at home
ensure there are adequate medical facilities nearby
childcare for children left at home – childcare policy for all CULE activities
advanced planning, start thinking will in advance about alternate arrangements for family care, etc.
childcare for the convention, but not the whole duration of the stay
Are you aware of any other barriers or difficulties that any CULE member faced during the convention that prevented them from fully participating in the Convention that you feel CULE could address?
Yes (5)
No (21)
If yes, what were the barriers?
transparency of process from Committee and Executive
turn around time for workplace coverage
childcare
accessibility
childcare
location
If yes, what suggestions can you give so that CULE might explore ways to remove those barriers?
have information shared up front with all members about decisions made
members vote on all cost factors and location decisions
CULE should negotiate with employer to have members come in to small ROs so that members can participate fully, where members could not stay any longer than one week even if they wanted to.
CULE should not pay for all family members to travel, but provide generous family care allowances
family care allowances
childcare policy
Where do you think we should hold the next CULE Convention? Please tell the reasons why the CULE Convention should be held there.
Canadian Suggestions (10)
Atlantic or Vancouver (far from Ottawa) Unionized hotels
in Canada – I believe out funds should be spent in Canada which will be used to employ Canadians and puts money back into our economy.
Ottawa – all CULE members earn a significant wage and can afford to go South on their own.
Montreal – it is in Canada, no RO there for CULE. We should alternate between Canada and outside Canada.
Whitehorse, Yukon in the summer to ensure involvement of CULE northern members
Gaspe, Quebec by train in the summer
Quebec City or central Canada
Newfoundland, anywhere but Ottawa – somewhere warm in the winter, Canada if summer, nice to be away from Ottawa as most conventions are held there.
Off season Aboriginal resort communities such as Riding Mountain, Cornwall, Hecla Island Manitoba, Kenosee Saskatchewan – enforcement of smoke free environments, health and safety priorities and example.
Rural setting in Canada, somewhere with a natural restful setting, to encourage interaction and a chance for some rest.
Southern suggestions (22)
Cuba or other country
Cuba – except for the smoking, it was a perfect fit.
Cuba – to get away from work/members
Cuba, Venezuela, Jamaica, Philippines – continued solidarity work.
Cuba – somewhere in Havana – change from a resort so you can experience the country while there.
Cuba – it fits our social justice work. It forces us to relax as the phone system prevents us being on the phone all day, kept us together, cheap enough to make it a vacation as well.
Cuba or a South American socialist country
Cuba or Dominican Republic – outside of Canada so we can really meet and mix and be away from the office and to learn about the people and country we are visiting.
Cuba – it was a great experience, I felt safe and was happy to be able to bring my family and do a little bit for social justice while there
Cuba, Nicaragua in the winter to continue our social justice outreach
Cuba – relaxing for members, no work related stress, and loved the social justice work that CULE did, very proud to be part of this union.
Cuba or another similar country
Cuba, Mexico, Dominican Republic – costs less than staying in Canada and experiencing and appreciating another side of life.
Jamaica – it is warm, there are lots of Unions to network with and fully accessible facilities and medical clinics
Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Bermuda – someplace warm again – people feel more relaxed, they need a break, our ability to do this should be a source of pride.
Dominican Republic – we have already been to Cuba (though there was nothing wrong with Cuba)
Dominican Republic or Bermuda – many 3rd world countries could use our assistance, although Cuba was good, we need to share with others.
Cozumel, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic – visit developing areas or ones affected by global warming and we need a break from the norm.
Florida – somewhere warm in the winter.
Peru – South America because they have an active trade union/Labour movement. It is a developing country that offers a number of social justice causes.
Venezuela – to go to another country actively challenging the US agenda.
Central America – Outside privileged Canada and US – Solidarity work goes far and is much needed. Unions have a much more difficult climate to work in, makes a difference in people’s lives.
Other generic suggestions (4)
Anywhere outside of Canada – Social justice possibilities, gathering of CULE members, opportunity to work in some well deserved time off.
Don’t care, but want to see Social Justice work done again
doesn’t matter, I am retiring in 2009
anywhere we as Canadians can help make a difference
Are there any factors that you think CULE should take into consideration in the choice of a location for the next CULE Convention, such as?
cost #1(5) #2 (12) #3 (7)
the environment and our ecological footprint (i.e.: travel other than by airplane where possible) #1 (4) #2 (5) #3 (8)
Social Justice (i.e. assistance to the place we visit, such as the assistance we provided to the schools and hospitals during our last convention in Cuba) #1 (20) #2 (6) #3 (2)
Other
union
smoke free
focus on Latin America
spend our money in Canada
Canada only convention
able to get together with family
medical facilities
Place to be together away from work
family facility
accessibility
so much poverty here at home, I cannot think of other countries
members with disabilities would have to self identify to assist CULE in exploring all possibilities
only hold CULE convention when we can fully fund (x 2)
Submitted by the CULE Convention Committee: Debbie McLaughlin Joan-Ann Gravesande, and Pamela Peckford