On this episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, we’re going back to the beginning, to the stories, people, and ideas that built the𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀. Joining us is 𝗧𝗼𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗻, a founding member of CUSW and the union’s National Business Development and Strategy Lead.
Tom’s career spans nearly four decades in the labour movement. He started on the tools as an apprentice at Ontario Hydro, worked maintenance at Chrysler plants in Windsor and Brampton, and served in countless leadership roles, from steward and chief steward to president, vice president, and now national representative.
His journey has given him a front-row seat to the evolution of CUSW, from a bold idea shared among a few determined tradespeople to the strong, forward-looking community it is today.
In this episode, Tom MacLean and host Dan Plexman discuss the early days of CUSW, including the challenges, risks, and the belief that workers could build something better together. They delve into how organizing has evolved over the years, and why participation and member empowerment remain at the core of everything we do.
Listeners will hear firsthand what it takes to grow a union that adapts to change while staying true to its values. It’s a candid, inspiring look at leadership, vision, and the legacy of collaboration that continues to drive CUSW forward.
𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗪 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲, or what it means to truly build a union from the ground up, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.
Want to connect with Tom or learn more? Feel free to reach out to him directly at 𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻@𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘄.𝗰𝗮
Make sure you visit 𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗽𝘀://𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘄.𝗰𝗮/ to explore more opportunities and resources. If you have a story to share, a guest to suggest, or a topic you’d like to hear on the podcast, email us at 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁@𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘄.𝗰𝗮.
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