Aboriginal Skilled Workers Association

The Aboriginal Skilled Workers' Association is a Member-driven and supported organization. President: Errol Eashappie - Email: errol@aswa.ca We build bridges (figuratively speaking) between Employers who share our vision and our Members. Our aim: to provide employment, across all industries, and development opportunities for Aboriginal journey persons and apprentices. VISION: To develop and promote a united group of highly skilled, fully qualified, Aboriginal workers who will, in turn, support their families in healthy communities. MISSION: To create and expand a new worker-based organization, in partnership with the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers and other supportive organizations that will: 1. Advance the principles and ideas of trade unionism in the Aboriginal culture, and shape it accordingly to Aboriginal cultural needs and heritage. Develop relationships with trade schools, Aboriginal employers, Aboriginal organizations and other similar bodies for the purpose of training and upgrading new and existing members. Assist skilled workers to obtain employment contracts, become contractors, develop the capacity to bid on significant work projects, and train more workers. Create a forum for discussing and resolving labour relations issues that are unique to Aboriginal circumstances. Work with existing training centers to develop journeymen and certification levels. Participate in research projects involving Aboriginal labour force development issues. Provide access to workers benefits, which shall include: training, access to employment, fair collective bargaining agreements, health plans, insurance, retirement benefits, safe and healthy workplaces, and representation at the bargaining table. Promote Aboriginal content in the skilled workforce and facilitate new and existing employment agreements which mandate a minimum level of Aboriginal employment. Contact: info@aswa.ca