Charlotte Prokopow, Local 832

Integrated Messaging Inc.
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Charlotte Prokopow is used to managing with adversity. She is a call centre operator at Integrated Messaging Inc. (IMI), and deals with a variety of personalities over the phone.

Charlotte started with IMI eight years ago as an operator and, after a few years, moved into customer service then as a back-up supervisor. When required she would assist as a quality control monitor and assisting supervisor. However, with the decline in the telemarketing industry, Charlotte bumped back to being an operator.

She became a shop steward when she was an operator but left the bargaining unit when she moved into customer service. The work the employees were performing in that department was similar to work the bargaining unit was performing.

Once the union caught attention of this, a policy grievance was filed. Part of the settlement was to allow the members in customer service to vote on joining the union or not. Charlotte worked hard at promoting the benefits of joining the union, which paid off when the customer service department voted to become part of the union.

When asked what difference the union has made at IMI, Charlotte spoke about the collective voice that a union makes. “The union gives the employees a voice that can’t be easily ignored or marginalized,” she said. “Having a union also makes it easier to deal with management when implementing new policies and it keeps the best interest of the bargaining unit.”

Charlotte is modest about her achievements. Being active in the local, she questions if she has made any sort of real difference at work, but when talking to former union representatives of hers they all point out her positive influence on the members at work and her encouragement of the members to stand up to management when they know they have a grievance at work.

“Charlotte is a great asset to our bargaining committee,” stated UFCW negotiator Beatrice Bruske.  “She is very passionate about the process and also understands the complexity of the industry and works hard at getting the best deal for the members.”

Charlotte has been active on both women’s committee, for the local and for the Manitoba Federation of Labour. “I have seen how easy it can be to combine humanity with activism in small ways – things like asking people to bring non-perishable food items to MFL events.  I've seen how very effective a group of intelligent, determined women can be and what a difference they can make,” said Charlotte.

When she is not at work, Charlotte enjoys her family time with her husband Mike and 12-year-old son Conner. She also volunteers weekly at the Klinic crisis line.