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The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
Canadian Union of Skilled Workers
16 episodes
2 weeks ago
As we wrap up 2025, the CUSW Spotlight Podcast turns the spotlight inward for a meaningful reflection on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. CUSW Chair John Wabb joins host Dan Plexman for a year-in-review conversation that explores the progress, challenges, and collective wins that shaped 2025. From expanded member participation and committee-driven initiatives to a growing emphasis on psychological safety, inclusion, and respectful workplaces, this episode highlights the work happening...
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As we wrap up 2025, the CUSW Spotlight Podcast turns the spotlight inward for a meaningful reflection on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. CUSW Chair John Wabb joins host Dan Plexman for a year-in-review conversation that explores the progress, challenges, and collective wins that shaped 2025. From expanded member participation and committee-driven initiatives to a growing emphasis on psychological safety, inclusion, and respectful workplaces, this episode highlights the work happening...
Show more...
Careers
Business
Episodes (16/16)
The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
Reflecting the Past Illuminating the Future with John Wabb - Episode #15
As we wrap up 2025, the CUSW Spotlight Podcast turns the spotlight inward for a meaningful reflection on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. CUSW Chair John Wabb joins host Dan Plexman for a year-in-review conversation that explores the progress, challenges, and collective wins that shaped 2025. From expanded member participation and committee-driven initiatives to a growing emphasis on psychological safety, inclusion, and respectful workplaces, this episode highlights the work happening...
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2 weeks ago
35 minutes

The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
Rising Together. Women, Trades and CUSW with Michelle Holmes - Episode #14
In this inspiring episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, host Dan Plexman discusses with Michelle Holmes, Red Seal Electrician, Training Technician at Bruce Power, founding member of the CUSW National Tradeswomen Committee, and the 2025 WiN Canada Mentor of the Year. Michelle shares her 19-year journey in the trades, from her early apprenticeship days to becoming a respected leader, mentor, and advocate for cultural change within CUSW and the nuclear industry. Together, Dan and Michelle dive ...
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1 month ago
33 minutes

The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
Made in Canada. The CUSW Story with Tom MacLean - Episode #13
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 lead...
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2 months ago
38 minutes

The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
Where Health Safety and Wellness Come Together with Shannon Veitch - Episode #12
In this episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, host Dan Plexman is having a discussion with Shannon Veitch, an electrician and long-time CUSW member who co-chairs the CUSW National Health, Safety & Wellness Committee. Together, they explore the story and purpose behind CUSW’s annual Health, Safety & Wellness Conference, how it has grown into a space where members, and families, come together to learn, connect, and strengthen the values that make our union unique. From supporting menta...
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2 months ago
23 minutes

The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
Owning Your Apprenticeship with Nathan DeGagne - Episode #11
From apprentice to leader, Nathan DeGagne’s journey with CUSW highlights the power of participation and opportunity. In this episode, Nathan shares his experiences in the apprenticeship program, his role in supporting new members, and his thoughts on upcoming changes within the union. He opens up about the importance of engagement, communication, and raising your hand to get involved, whether it’s in the workplace, on a committee, or at a national level. Nathan also reflects on mo...
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3 months ago
28 minutes

The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
Growing Sustainable Community Wealth with Kristopher Stevens - Episode #10
We are back with another insightful conversation, this time with Kristopher Stevens, a dedicated community builder, sustainability leader, and long-time member of the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers. Kris shares how his journey through renewable energy, affordable housing, and grassroots governance has shaped both his personal philosophy and CUSW’s future. From embedding values into decision-making and opening new doors in sustainable industries, to fostering intergenerational mentors...
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4 months ago
43 minutes

The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
Building a Legacy to be Proud of with Pauline Cranston - Episode #9
On this episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗪 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, we’re shining the light on Pauline Cranston, a licensed 309A electrician, union leader, proud young mom, and a true force in the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers. Pauline doesn’t just “show up”. She is on the tools with Hydro One, chairs the North-East Unit, and sits on more CUSW committees than you can count… all while raising a young family. Talk about drinking the Kool-Aid! In this fun and inspiring conversation, Pauline shares how she got he...
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4 months ago
45 minutes

The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
Open Minds, Stronger Unions. A conversation with Cody Quan - Episode #8
In this episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗪 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, Dan Plexman has an interesting conversation with 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻, CUSW’s Training and Education Representative, to reflect on his journey, experiences, and the importance of building an inclusive, skilled, and forward-thinking workforce. 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝘆 shares how he got started as a 309A electrical apprentice at the Saunders Dam, his work with Hydro One, and how those early experiences shaped his commitment to the union. Together, Dan and Cody explore the train...
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5 months ago
28 minutes

The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
Live to Love Another Day with James Duffield - Episode #7
In this deeply moving episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, Dan speaks with James Duffield, a longtime union member, former Health & Safety Rep, and now Worker Representative, who shares his powerful story of resilience, vulnerability, and hope. James has faced cancer more than once, and now, as he navigates his third and most difficult diagnosis, his message carries even more weight. With honesty and strength, James reflects on what it means to live fully, to struggle openly, and ...
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6 months ago
34 minutes

The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
Building Careers and Culture in the Trades with Owen Johnston - Episode #6
𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝘄𝗲𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝗵𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻. Owen is CUSW’s Recruitment Lead and a man whose career path is as diverse as it is inspiring. From earning a Social Work degree and working in street outreach for Toronto’s Indigenous community, to scaffolding, parts management, and safety leadership at Bruce Power, Owen has brought compassion, resilience, and adaptability to every role he's taken on. He’s also a Pro Board Certified Fire Fighter and Live Fire Instructor...
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6 months ago
25 minutes

The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
Apprentice to Tradeswoman with Alina Murray - Episode #5
In this episode, we shine the spotlight on Alina Murray. A dedicated member of the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers (CUSW), a 5th-term 309A Electrical Apprentice, a mom, and the first female chair of the Southwest Unit. Alina opens up about her decision to build a career with CUSW, the opportunities she has embraced, and the challenges she has overcome as a woman in the industry. The conversation moves between personal and professional, from changing roles in her household and ...
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7 months ago
31 minutes

The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
Brother's Keeper - Union and Family Ties with Calvin Hicks - Episode #4
In this episode of 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗪 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁, we shine a light on 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀, a passionate advocate for health and safety and a key member of the CUSW since 2017. Calvin worked as a certified health and safety representative in road building and utility installation before transitioning to CUSW. Driven by a passion for creating safe and supportive workplaces, Calvin faced significant challenges advocating for safety standards, including pressure from employers to cut co...
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8 months ago
28 minutes

The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
Day of Mourning Time to Reflect with Shawn Campbell - Episode #3
In this episode of The CUSW Spotlight Podcast, we’re joined by Shawn Campbell, a dedicated union leader whose journey from student apprentice to national health and safety advocate is nothing short of inspiring. Shawn’s story begins in 2014 as an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) student, working with a small contractor before joining the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers (CUSW) in 2016. His passion for creating safer and more inclusive workplaces was recognized when he was no...
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9 months ago
38 minutes

The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
West Coast Connection with Gary Fiege - Episode #2
In this episode of the CUSW Spotlight Podcast, host Dan sits down with Gary Fiege, a dedicated Union Leader and human rights advocate with decades of experience in the trades. Gary shares his journey from being “voluntold” as a shop steward in 1986 to leading major union initiatives across Canada. The conversation dives into the evolving landscape of skilled trades, the growing emphasis on safety, and the importance of continuous learning. Gary also discusses his vision for the f...
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9 months ago
28 minutes

The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
Building a better Canada with John Wabb CUSW Chairperson - Episode #1
In our inaugural episode of The CUSW Spotlight Podcast, we sit down with John Wabb to discuss the evolution of CUSW from its humble beginnings in 1999 to the thriving, member-driven organization it is today. John shares his insights on leadership, mentorship, and the power of participation in shaping the future of our union. We dive into the many moving parts that keep CUSW running, the importance of engaging members, and the vision for the years ahead. Whether you're a long-tim...
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9 months ago
43 minutes

The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
Introducing the CUSW Spotlight Podcast with Dan Plexman
Welcome to The CUSW Podcast! Your monthly source for all things CUSW! This podcast dives into union members' experiences, stories, and insights while also spotlighting training opportunities, union initiatives, and essential information for skilled workers across Canada. Each episode brings you closer to the people and projects driving CUSW forward, from personal stories and professional development to key topics on workplace safety, mental health, and union advocacy. Hosted by Dan Plex...
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9 months ago
4 minutes

The CUSW Spotlight Podcast
As we wrap up 2025, the CUSW Spotlight Podcast turns the spotlight inward for a meaningful reflection on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. CUSW Chair John Wabb joins host Dan Plexman for a year-in-review conversation that explores the progress, challenges, and collective wins that shaped 2025. From expanded member participation and committee-driven initiatives to a growing emphasis on psychological safety, inclusion, and respectful workplaces, this episode highlights the work happening...