By Webmaster

Although he could be labelled as one of the “rookies” on the executive, Rob Sloan has rapidly become an integral and auspicious member of the executive team. We are very fortunate to have a person of his calibre on our executive.

Rob became a Transit Operator for the City of Peterborough in the Spring of 1986. He enjoys his job (at least he says he does).

Rob is a very personable, willing and enthusiastic advocate of Local 1320 and its members. He is a very good listener and genuinely cares about others. Rob makes the time to chat with everyone and assuages their troubles away. Rob is a very intelligent and clever man. He can be very analytical of issues and then transforms into a shrewd and unassailable debater once he is prepared with the facts.

Rob was appointed to fill a vacated position as Executive Board Member (Steward) in the Spring of 2005. His position was further legitimized a few months later by a vote, which overwhelmingly confirmed him to that position. He was motivated to seek the position since he had become acutely concerned about two very important issues facing the Local and felt that his talents might help make a difference. His abilities were tested and proven in the months that followed with difficult sessions of contract negotiations and the subsequent strike.

Although Rob has not yet had the opportunity to attending training courses, he is looking forward to doing so. He believes that education is a very important tool, especially for the executive and that education is power. Rob realizes that the education courses help keep the executive up to date and on par with management in regards to the execution and interpretation of the contract. “It’s very important to have a rule book that both sides follow”, he said.

Rob is quick to point out that he discovered at a course taken many years ago that there are many differences between people and a wide variance of interpretations they may have on straight forward issues. He respects the opinions of others and tries to examine the issues from their perspectives as well.

Rob is very proud of his fellow union members and union officers. “The executive is only as strong as the membership. It makes a big difference who is on the executive. Our present executive is great with lots of good and progressive ideas. They are there for the best interests of the members”, he said.

Rob knows that good communications between the membership, the executive and management are crucial if the workplace is to be pleasant for everyone. Securing feedback about what is important to the membership and the fostering of respect for all can help create a positive, happy, productive and creative working environment.

Rob is especially proud of his family. A more recent addition to the family is his Golden Doodle which is half Golden Retriever and half Poodle. This sixty pounds of pure energy takes Rob for daily (very fast) walks through some of the parks and green spaces near their home.

Rob enjoys the physical and mental benefits of exercising. He enjoys restoring vintage cars, boating of all types, fishing, camping and any other good leisure activities he can think of. He is also very talented in home improvement projects.

Although Rob may be one of the “rookies” on our executive, he will quickly evolve into an even more formidable force for Local 1320 once he has taken some courses and has achieved more experience on the executive. He certainly has some wise and skilful teachers on the executive to show him the way.

Rob is well on his way to shedding his “rookie” status and becoming an All Star. Thanks, Rob, for what you have already done and for all the great things we know you will do for us in the future. We are in your debt.

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