UNION NEWS - MAY 2022
Union of Taxation Employees [UTE] has a long history of supporting its members both in and outside of the workplace.
UTE has for many years provided support in the communities where our members live and work through support of youth and adult activities as well as donating to many organizations within those same communities.
The sponsorships provided by UTE allow sports teams to assist in the purchase of equipment or uniforms. The only proviso is that the team in some manner acknowledge the support of UTE. Donations made to community organizations help them continue to do the good work they provide within the community. Funding varies from $150 - $500 per organization. Members can make a request for either a donation or sponsorship by contacting your local executive. After providing details to the local, the local can consider submitting a request on the member’s behalf to UTE National. There is an annual budget of $18,000 available to fund these requests.
The UTE has also provided funding in unique circumstances, and this requires approval of the National Executive. Over the years there are several causes to which the union has given much needed financial assistance:
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2018 - Tornadoes in Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Québec caused significant devastation. UTE donated to the Red Cross
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2020 - The worst mass shooting in Canadian history occurred in Nova Scotia, resulting in 22 lives lost. UTE donated to the Red Cross to assist the families in dealing with this tragic event
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2020 – During the worst of the pandemic, food banks across the country were finding the need for assistance far exceeded the capacity of local food banks. During this period working families were also struggling, which put a greater demand on food bank usage.
In response to this UTE provided a significant donation of $100,000 to Food Banks Canada which was then distributed to many food banks in communities across the country. These actions resulted in many locals also taking up the challenge and donating to the local food banks. Amounts donated by locals ranged from a few $100 up to $1000, however, a special recognition is due to the Sudbury Taxation Centre local who donated $20,000 to food banks in the community.
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2021 - In June 2020, a hate crime in London, Ontario, resulted in a young child losing both his parents and other family members. Funds were donated to assist in dealing with this horrible tragedy.
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2021 - With devastating floods occurring in British Columbia as well as in Newfoundland UTE donated to the Red Cross to assist in the flood relief work in these two provinces.
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2021 - This appeared to be the year of disasters. With forest fires occurring in British Columbia and Northern Ontario, donations were made to the Red Cross in each respective region.
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2022 - As the world watched the incredible devastating humanitarian crisis occurring in Ukraine, UTE again stood strong, recognizing that while continually supporting our membership there are at times a greater need and purpose for unions. In April, UTE provided a donation to the International Red Cross in the amount of $100,000 to assist in the relief effort. The Public Service Alliance of Canada has taken up a challenge to provide support and other components within the PSAC have also been challenged to show support in this very tragic time.
Decisions such as this are not made lightly and include careful consideration on any impacts this may have on the organization or our membership.
Gary Esslinger
Chair, Communications Committee