Bernard Obed

Bernard Obed
Vale - Voisey Bay, Local Union President (former Control Room Operator)
Hometown: Nain, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Local Number 9508, USW District # 6
Years as USW Member: 11

What is unusual about your hometown, place of work or job?

My place of work is a remote site. Nain is the closest town and it is about 45 km away. The closest city is Goose Bay and it takes an hour by plane. 

What does this year’s theme, “Everybody’s Union,” mean to you?

It means that we are all in this together. 

What issues will be important when your Local’s contract expires?

Full time safety reps – we have none right now and we have two new underground mines, so this will be very important. Benefits and wages, of course too. 

What’s your go-to dance move?

I don’t dance! 

Every leader has a good tune to walk out to when introduced. What’s your walk-up song? 

I Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty 

Who would you most like to have dinner with, and why:

J-Lo!

What things have you done or hope to do while you’re here? 

I’d like to go see as much entertainment as much as I can – maybe David Copperfield and also see the Grand Canyon. 

Have you yet decided how you will put the convention to work when you return home?

Solidarity – it’s the one thing that sticks out to me the most here. I can see how strong and united our union is and I hope that for my local union also.


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