Shawn Trudell

When did you start at the WCB? 2004

What is your current position at the WCB? Prevention Consultant

What previous positions have you held at the WCB if any? I started as an Adjudicator, then moved onto Case Manager, then headed over to Safe Work MB.

When did you become involved with the union? 2018

What positions, including your current position, have you held in the union? Shop Steward, Chief Shop Steward (current) and a short term as the 1^st Vice President

What made you want to become more involved in the union? Over the years seeing how leadership, HR treated members, omitted benefits or rights that members should have known about and I wanted to be a voice to advocate and try to make a difference here.

What do you find most gratifying about being part of the union executive? Being a resource to a member, providing support to them, advocating, always looking for ways to hold the employer accountable and speaking up when others may not.

What is the most frustrating thing about being part of the union executive? Our workplace culture and morale could be so much better, but our employer continues to be a challenge that won’t enable that to change. I recall an employer Executive saying recently they want staff here to love their job and want to come to work. I believe most of us would too, but the employer is making that a challenge.

Why should someone consider becoming a part of the union executive? The more of us there are, and the more informed we are, the more united we can be in providing support to our members and ideally make change. It’s a big hill we’re climbing here at the WCB given these times and changes the Employer is making coming down the road, the more support we have the better.

Written by Denise Wiebe, September 2023