AffiliationCanadian Labour Congress: Executive Vice-President
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BioBarbara Byers was elected as Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Labour Congress at the central labour body’s 2002 Convention in Vancouver. Byers embodies the Prairie populism of her Saskatchewan upbringing. Her fervour and commitment are leavened with humour, approachability and openness to new people and ideas. A social worker, Byers’ 17 years with the Saskatchewan Social Services brought her face-to-face with issues that remain at the centre of political discourse in this country – workers’ rights, poverty, Aboriginal concerns, youth unemployment and justice for equality-seeking groups. Byers’ conviction naturally led her into labour and political activism. Having risen through the ranks of the National Union of Public and General Employees/Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union, she was at the helm of the NUPGE/SGEU through the turbulent years of the scandal-ridden Conservative government of Grant Devine. Her success in raising the profile of the NUPGE/SGEU attracted wide attention, leading to her election as president of the 63,000-member Saskatchewan Federation of Labour in 1988. From that moment through to her election in 2002 to the Canadian Labour Congress Executive, she earned her credentials as the Prairie province’s leading labour figure, using her abilities and leadership to help increase the membership of the Federation to 85,000. Byers now brings her experience and skills to the national scene as the Canadian Labour Congress officer responsible for education and campaigns, employment insurance, technology, training and apprenticeship. She also ensures the voices of Canadian workers are heard within the International Labour Organization, the Geneva-based tripartite body of the United Nations. Available WorkLinksContact2851 Riverside Drive |
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