Dear brother/sister,

I am writing you today to provide an update on staffing changes at your union.

Our service delivery model is outdated and hasn’t been reviewed or modified for many, many years. Change isn’t easy but it is necessary. We must adapt, evolve, and move with the times.

We must ensure that our Union is set up to provide the quality and level of service that our members need, expect, and deserve.

We are making progress on this front.

I will be sending out an update with more details on our changing staffing and membership servicing models in the coming weeks.

As you are probably aware, we posted three job postings for Membership Servicing Officers (MSO) a number of weeks ago. The response was incredible and the quality of the applicants who put themselves forward was of the highest quality.

These three positions are part of the changes we are making to better serve you – the members of NAPE.

MSOs will be responsible for, but not limited to:

negotiation of assigned Collective Agreements; processing grievances; assisting with the preparation of arbitration and various appeals; servicing of membership is a critical component including participating in membership education, attending Local meetings, serving on committees; required to provide advice and guidance to Local Officers, Shop Stewards and members on a variety of issues including contract and policy interpretation.

Given the volume and quality of candidates who put themselves forward, this was not an easy decision for myself or Secretary-Treasurer Bert Blundon to make. However, I am pleased to announce the following successful applicants:

  • Kim Bartlett
  • Junior Bursey
  • Earl Hann

Kim, Junior, and Earl bring a wealth of education and experience to the table and will be welcome additions to our staffing complement. They will be starting in their new roles at NAPE on February 19.

Below you will find a brief bio on each of these union activists for your information.

On behalf of myself, Secretary-Treasurer Bert Blundon, and the NAPE Board of Directors I would like to welcome these individuals to our staffing ranks and wish them the best of luck in their new roles.

In solidarity,

Jerry

KIM BARTLETT

Kim is currently a Client Service Officer (CSO) with the government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Prior to that, Kim worked as a Communications Technician for the RNC.

Kim is active in the union as a Shop Steward, Vice-President of her local, member of the General Service Bargaining Team, member of the Legislation Committee, member of the GS Bumping Committee, and Chair of the Labour Management Committee for the Department of AES – to name a few.

Kim has a Diploma from the College of the North Atlantic and another from Academy Canada. She has completed the NAPE’s Advanced Shop Steward training module. She has also completed a number of training modules/programs with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Kim brings a wealth of prior experience and training obtained via her previous work in the private sector, specifically in relation to negotiations, implementation of agreements, administering contracts, etc…

EARL HANN

Earl is currently an Innovation Development Officer with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry, and Innovation. Prior to that, Earl was a Business Analyst with the Department in Marystown and St. John’s.

Earl is an active NAPE member, serving as Shop Steward, President and an at-large member of his local executive, a NAPE Board of Directors member, and as affiliate Vice-President of the NL Federation of Labour.

Earl has a Bachelor of Commerce from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He received a Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo. Earl has also completed the Governor General Canadian Leadership program. Earl has completed a plethora of courses and training programs through his involvement in NAPE, his work at the provincial government, and his previous experience.

JUNIOR BURSEY

Junior is currently a Primary Care Paramedic with Eastern Health where he has been a paramedic for 20 years. Prior to that, Junior was a Firefighter with the Town of CBS and a Paramedic with Hickey’s Ambulance Service.

Junior has a long history of being active in the union movement – as local President, a Shop Stewards, on the OHS Committee, a member of the Hospital Support Staff Bargaining Team, Labour Management Committee, a member of the Eastern Health Transition Agreement team, and co-chair of the Paramedicine Working committee, to name a few.

With 30 years of experience in public service and union activism, Junior has acquired a deep understanding of labour relations, contract language, dispute resolution, and contract negotiations. Junior has completed a wide array of labour relations courses/programs from the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law. He has also completed NAPE’s Advanced Shop Steward training module as well as mediation and Lancaster House training.