Street Labourers Unite

Windsorites working and living on the streets now have their own Union.

The Street Labourers of Windsor opened a union hall on Tecumseh Road East.

“This has been a combination of quite a few years of work,” said member and organizer Andrew Nellis.  SLOW’s goal is to offer solidarity to members working on the streets.  Each member will offer their own individual talents to each other.  According to Nellis, they will stick together and help carry each other’s burdens, making them stronger as a team.  “We want to be able to watch each other’s back.”

SLOW union hall will act as a gathering place that welcomes members.  The hall will also offer different activities such as music lessons, arts and crafts and tips on working and living on the streets.  They want to give members an opportunity to learn a new skill if they want, according to Nellis.

The organization wants “to make sure members feel welcome and useful,” said Nellis.

Spokesperson Richard Dalkeith is a recovering alcoholic and drug addict.  He said his past addictions will be helpful to others.

“I can use this in my organization.  It’s useful, it’s educational, because some people have these experiences and nowhere to turn to,” said Dalkeith.  The organization wants to make sure the members feel welcome and useful, said Dalkeith.

The SLOW union hall will be open Thursday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.