In response to the Yukon’s largest union being placed under trusteeship, the parent union organized a virtual town hall for members to clarify the situation. The newly appointed trustee and administrator, Josée-Anne Spirito and Chris Aylward, are affiliated with the Yukon Employees’ Union’s parent organization, the Public Service Alliance of Canada.
The Public Service Alliance assumed leadership of the Yukon Employees’ Union after informing members that the union’s bylaws were suspended, resulting in the removal of the president, vice-president, and directors from their positions. Spirito emphasized that the decision for trusteeship was taken seriously and not due to financial concerns or mismanagement.
Aylward, whose salary is funded by the YEU, noted challenges faced in his role as administrator, citing obstacles hindering progress. He highlighted the need for positive changes but encountered resistance and dysfunction within the executive members, leading to the recommendation for trusteeship.
Despite some members expressing discontent with the situation, Spirito expressed the importance of member representation at the upcoming leadership convention in October. She assured members of continuous town halls to address queries and update on corrective actions. Spirito emphasized the commitment to ongoing negotiations and ensuring that the trusteeship does not impede bargaining efforts.