National Executive First Meets

The year was 1954. The National Defence Employees Association (NDEA) had been an entity for about a year. It was time for a full-blown gathering of the National Executive. Two spring unofficial get-togethers led up to the historic 1st Executive Meeting from 18 to 25 October in Ottawa.

What was the premier topic of debate? A printing press to produce a monthly newsletter. The executive approved the purchase of printing equipment not to exceed $5000. A sum of $2400 per annum was allocated for a competent machine operator, but ironically "it was agreed that a male employee would be required." Little did they know that the future operator for almost 30 years would be a woman. The first issue of the newsletter was indeed produced two months later.

Another big item of interest was a group-life insurance plan for the membership. Not only would it be beneficial for the members but also a great incentive to join NDEA. More cause for jubilation was a report of a successful raid against the rival Amalgamated Civil Service Association in the west. Ken Green proudly noted that NDEA had 9000 members with another 2000 applications in process.

All was not totally well though. A report from Prince Edward Island workers gave the good news that their hours had been cut, but the bad news that their wages were as well. There would be plenty of challenges to fill the future of the young union. The Executive decided to hold the next year's convention in Saskatoon, an Amalgamated stronghold. What better philosophy than to march boldly into the arena and seize the bull by the horns!