Shawn Creamer is one of two BC-based TC Bargaining Team members. Shawn has dedicated 24 years to the federal public service and is honoured to be a part of the Bargaining Team.
PSAC BC recently connected with Shawn to hear about his experiences on the Bargaining Team and what keeps him motivated.
Interview with Shawn Creamer
Why did you become a Bargaining Team member?
I am in a local that has had a member on a Bargaining Team for four of the last five collective agreements. Speaking with the previous Bargaining Team members I heard how challenging it was but also how rewarding the process is. With 18 years of local activism with UNDE 21016, I felt it was the right time for me to be able to commit to this and bring my experiences to the TC Bargaining Team.
What’s the most rewarding part of being on the Bargaining Team?
For me the most rewarding thing about being on the Bargaining Team is seeing the diversity of skills that our public service brings to Canadians everyday. Dealing with members from all different components and types of work has been an eye-opening experience. We have members that are aircraft maintenance engineers, ammo technicians, fisheries officers, grain inspectors, scientists from studying animals to those that deal with nuclear material, and many more professions.
What has surprised you most about bargaining?
The thing that has surprised me the most about bargaining is the total lack of respect Treasury Board has for us. I knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but I truly didn’t expect what the employer has presented to us and concessions they have been asking for. For an employer that has changed working conditions during our negotiations to RTO4 while their representatives have been bargaining remotely. If such an important thing like bargaining a collective agreement can be done remotely, why do many of our members need to come into an office to sit on Teams meetings most of their days.
What keeps you motivated?
Knowing that the team is bargaining for over 10,000 public service workers and their families, it is easy to stay motivated to getting the best deal that we can. Also the gains we make at the table will trickle down and benefit other working Canadians.
How does member support affect you at the table?
The member support has such a positive effect. The thanks and encouragement I have received from the members has been amazing. From attending AGM’s, Locals’ general meetings, townhalls, meet and greets, and all the virtual events just seeing the engagement and dedication has been amazing. I was blown away with the first Black Shirt Day, it was a very short notice event and the participation was incredible. Seeing all the pictures on social media while we were at the table was such a lift and just reinforced the support we have from the members.
Is there anything else you’d like members to know?
We are away many weeks of the year for bargaining, missing birthdays, anniversaries, and other important family days. The Bargaining Team becomes a tight knit family, sitting in negotiations all day together dealing with an unwilling employer, then dinners together, to after session meetings discussing how the day unfolded and what is next. Listening to everyone’s thoughts, opinions and making sure everyone is heard. I have a huge amount of respect for all my team members for taking on this challenge.
Keep updated on TC BargainingAbout Shawn Creamer
Shawn has dedicated 24 years to the federal public service, beginning his career at CFB Esquimalt as a casual worker in the base roads and grounds department. He completed his electrical apprenticeship in 2010 and now works as a project manager in the engineering department overseeing critical infrastructure projects for the base.
“I’m honoured to join the bargaining team. I’ve considered this step for some time, but the timing is now perfect for me to step up and represent my TC family. This round will be challenging, but I’m ready to secure the best possible collective agreement.”
Shawn began his union journey in 2007 as a steward. He has since served as chief shop steward, treasurer, and 1st vice-president. He co-chaired the finance committee for the Union of National Defence Employees (UNDE) and sat on the committee for two triennial conventions.