The Canadian labour movement has had a rough year.

The New Democrats went from 24 to seven MPs in the federal election. Unions — especially outside the public sector — struggle to reverse a long decline in membership.

And the federal government has shown a new willingness to end strikes, angering labour leaders.

But Lucy Everett is optimistic. Everett has worked for three B.C. unions organizing workplaces and represented workers in newly certified bargaining units who were just starting to negotiate a first agreement.

Now she works as a labour relations officer at a third union, handling grievances and arbitration between the union and employer.

The Tyee agreed not to reveal her current employer as she is not authorized to speak on behalf of her union. She emphasized that the opinions

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