Image from our April Workers’ Café - Stories from the Strike Lines. Thanks to Peter (SIWCEL), Doug (Unifor 114), Michelle (Unifor 114), Kate (CUPW 850), Kirsten (BCGEU 601), Harj (Unite Here 40), Joey (SEIU 300), Phillip (PEA GLP).

It was another great success with about 40 out to hear from six union members reflect on their experiences from last year's strike wave.

We promised to share some resources about local actions:

• leahgazan.ca/right_to_strike_petition 

• cupw.ca/en/campaign/resources/take-action-stop-canada-post%E2%80%99s-sweeping-service-cuts 

• actionnetwork.org/letters/support-fair-wages-at-the-inn-laurel-point 

🥾 Ginger Goodwin Outdoor Club

Our April bike event had 8 cyclists and the weather was perfect! We journeyed from Deadman’s Junction along the Galloping Goose to Thetis Park and back. 

May Hike

Saturday, May 30

Sugarloaf Mountain

11:00 am to 3:00 pm

• Meet in the parking lot at 11:00  am. Address is 3878 Sooke Road. We will meet in the south section parking lot. Look for Sooke Hills Wilderness Park South Section and folks with union banners.

• It's a 6.5 km hike round trip and should take 2-3 hours including breaks. It's a steep climb towards the end of the hike.

• Family, friends, & dogs welcome, but not suitable for young ones. Beautiful views from the top!

• Study shoes are recommended, a jacket, water & lunch.

• Email southislandworkers@gmail.com if you want to be part of a car pool.

The Ginger Goodwin Outdoor Club meets on the last Saturday of each month. A full list of upcoming hikes can be found on our calendar.

📚 Book Club

Our second instalment of the Workers Book Club is starting soon. We will be reading Hyperpolitics by Anton Jäger. Wonder why political change feels impossible, even while the world seems to fall apart? This short book attempts to provide some answers.

Meeting plan:
Chapters 1 and 2: second week of May
Chapters 3 and 4: fourth week of May

Copies of Hyperpolitics are available (at cost, $15)

If you are interested or would like a copy please email here.

🎶 United We Sing

We continue our monthly rhythm of rehearsal, shared food, and the friendships that make this choir what it is.

Upcoming UWS practice dates set!

• Wednesday May 20th

• Thursday June 18th

• Friday July 19th 

• Wednesday August 19th

• Thursday September 17th

• Friday October 23rd

• Wednesday November 25th

• Thursday Dec 17th

Prior to each event we will set a location with at least three to four weeks notice. Hopefully this gives us all chances to attend and share in song and solidarity together.

For more info, email Peter.

⚽ Solidarity FC

Solidarity FC wrapped up its first season. Don't worry if you missed it, we are returning to the pitch Sunday, May 17th. We are looking for a few more subs, if you are interested please reach out.

📧 Email southislandworkers@gmail.com for details.

🧗 Social Climbers

Interested in connecting with progressive rock climbers? Join the WhatsApp group or send an email to southislandworkers+climb@gmail.com to get added. We'll figure out how to organize our next gathering there.

⛏️ Miners Memorial Weekend

South Island Workers will be attending Miners Memorial Weekend in Cumberland, June 12–14. Join us for this annual celebration of workers’ struggles—singing, hiking, and connecting with labour activists from across the Island. We’re exploring a group campsite and bus.

👉 Interested? Please sign up here.

More Ways to Get Involved

Enjoy making posters and graphics? Skilled at social media? Enjoying writing wonderful newsletters like this? If so, join our communications committee and let us know what passions and skills you have to share!

In solidarity,

South Island Workers