NATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY COORDINATOR APPOINTED - SYLVIE SCHMITT
January 15, 2021 at 2:30 PM
The Executive Board of Unifor Local 2002 is pleased to announce that Sylvie Schmitt an Air Canada Customer Experience Specialist from Winnipeg, MB has been appointed to the position of National Health and Safety Coordinator for Unifor Local 2002, effective April 1st, 2021. She will be replacing Ian Bennie who will be retiring on March 31st, 2021.
In her new capacity with the Local, Sylvie will provide advice and expertise in the areas of health and safety to members, staff, and elected workplace representatives. She will be responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of safe work practices in the workplace. She will seek employer collaboration and will make recommendations on health and safety issues and procedures. This will entail conducting risk assessments, providing training and education, and ensuring compliance with Canada Labour Code regulations.
Sylvie’s distinctive career path includes 22 years as an Unifor Local 2002 Health and Safety Representative, 8 years as a Training Co-facilitator for Unifor Local 2002- Federal Health & Safety training program, and several years as a member of the Air Canada Policy Committee. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this role; she is well versed in collective agreement issues and the grievance process. She is bilingual and has been a union and political activist most of her working career. Sylvie earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from the Université De Saint-Boniface in 1994.
We are confident that Sylvie’s leadership and experience will deliver the collaboration we need as we work towards safety excellence. On behalf of the Local 2002 Executive Board, I warmly congratulate Sylvie and welcome her to this new position.
I also take this opportunity to thank Ian Bennie, our National Health & Safety Coordinator since 1998, for his remarkable work and contributions to the overall health and safety of our Local. He has been a huge asset to our Local, members, staff, and workplace representatives. We are certain that the guidance you have provided over the years has positioned our Local on solid ground for the challenges that lay ahead.
In the remaining period, before Ian officially retires, he will dedicate his time to ensure a seamless transition. He will personally train and mentor Sylvie as his new replacement so she may also deliver the caliber of service that Ian has provided to both the Local and the membership.
In Solidarity,
Don Ross
Interim President – Unifor Local 2002