CAAT Tales (the podcast)

This episode features Jay Krawchuk , electrical trades instructor and Local 417 steward, whose 40‑year career spans Manitoba, Alberta, BC, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. Jay shares how regional cultures shape the trades, why labour movements matter more than ever, and how political decisions continue to impact apprenticeship, safety, and job quality. He reflects on his path from prairie farm kid to edu...

In this episode, We check in with Local 417’s Acting Treasurer Carla Kingston and then turn the microphone over to Local 418 President Amanda Shaw, who led our Support Staff through one of the most challenging years in their history. Carla, whose experience resulted in the much-heralded Kingston Decision arbitration award, shares her personal journey from part-time teaching to a full-time role, em...

We tee up an episode full of union updates, opportunities to get involved, and a spotlight on one of Local 417’s most dedicated leaders - Tabatha Rutledge 00:28 – Christina Decarie on the January 29 GMM Delegate and observer selection for Convention Why Convention and Regional Meetings are genuinely exciting (yes, really) Virtual vs. in‑person participation Travel, childcare, and accessibility sup...

In this episode of CAAT Tales , the official podcast of SLC Faculty Local 417 , we explore the personal and professional lives of our union members. From a rapid-fire session with our Communications Officer to a deep dive into the transformative power of belonging in higher education, this episode highlights the human connections that drive our local forward. Segment 1: Getting to Know Christina C...

🎧 Festivities, Faculty, and a Few Grievances   This holiday special brings together warm wishes from stewards, a thoughtful chat on inclusivity, and a playful airing of grievances (Seinfeld-style). We celebrate retiring steward Dan Somers, shine a light on Bill 33’s impact on post-secondary education, and wrap it all in union spirit. Tune in for cheer, reflection, and a call to action—because fac...

In this episode of CAAT Tales , we sit down with Gillian Axten, the Lead Steward for Local 417 and a self-described person who runs on "chaos" and "copious amounts of coffee". Gillian takes us through her journey from working as a guidance counselor and psychotherapist to becoming a fixture at St. Lawrence College—a career move she jokingly attributes entirely to her mother’s influence. We delve i...

This week we chat with Local 417 President Christina Decarie (1:30) , getting to learn more about her passion for puzzles, how John Anderson made a huge impact on her career and what it's like being the president of the CAAT-A Local. Then Lead Steward Gillian Axten weighs in on something that most of us have experienced in the past in Is It a Gripe or a Grievance? (34:30) This week's Member Spotli...

With program reductions, enrolment challenges and more stealing our attention, worry spreads faster than facts. In this first episode of CAAT Tales, we talk with Communications Officer Christina Chrysler about why this podcast was launched and what SLC Faculty Local 417 members can expect as Ontario’s college crisis unfolds - and the impacts are felt at St. Lawrence College. Local 417 President Ch...