USW STEPS UP TO FIGHT ADDICTIONS

United Steelworkers executive in locals 1-424 and 1-425 in Prince
George and Williams Lake are concerned about substance abuse and
gambling addiction amongst their members.

Presidents Frank Everitt and Bill Derbyshire took their concerns to
USW's wood council and received unanimous approval to address the issue.

A national advisory council was formed, which includes substance abuse
specialists and Substance Abuse and Gambling Addiction program was
developed.

SAGA provides training to identify and educate USW members on how to
create an earlier support system for those suffering from substance
abuse or gambling addiction.

"SAGA gives union reps more tools to recognize and help members," USW
district director Stephen Hunt said.

"This program is not about looking for people in trouble, but rather
it provides a means to know how to handle when help is asked for."

The program is being piloted in the Cariboo with the first step
training I-424 and I-425 staff.

"The turnout was phenomenal," Everitt said.

Of the 23 staff, 21 turned out for the training session in Quesnel
Monday and Tuesday.

"By September, all 80 USW workplaces in the two locals will have
trained people."

USW national health and safety co-ordinator Andrew King said with
intervention and education, they hope to get to the issue before the
family breaks down.

"The impact [of substance abuse and gambling addiction] on the family
is huge," he said.

"We also need to see how we can support the family during substance
abuse.

"We have a responsibility to be involved with this issue."

USW asked Jim Stimson, Quesnel resident and 35-year veteran working in
the field of addictions, to develop the comprehensive education and
awareness program for union leaders and representatives so they would
know how to handle the issue when members sought help.

Stimson said both substance abuse and compulsive gambling are
widespread in Canada.

He said addictions are a complex subject that needs to be addressed in
the workplace.

He commends USW for taking an active lead role.

"With government and corporations withdrawing from these social
responsibilities, the unions must step in, call it what it is and
deliver the message," Hunt said.

"This is a very focused program that unions are able to provide the
direction an addict needs to go to solve their problem.

"It's a clear need and a clear message must be delivered to those who
need it."

The pilot project will span three years.

It is expected the program will then go national.

"Our goal is to have this program available to every steelworker in
Canada," Hunt said.

"With 275,000 workers across Canada, we plan to use this strategy
across all workplaces."