2024 Outstanding Member Achievement Awards

Leadership & Advancement of UFCW

Gladys Igharo (Meta Centre) has been a member of UFCW Local 175 since the members at Meta Centre first voted to join the Union in 2012. In fact, Gladys was an active participant in that organizing drive.

Since then, Gladys has been a great support to the UFCW members in her workplace. With 10 years as a Union Steward, and by taking an active role on the negotiating committee through three sets of bargaining, Gladys continues to demonstrate her commitment to bettering the lives of her co-workers every day.

Through her active engagement in the workplace, Gladys has helped achieve numerous health and safety improvements by assisting members on WSIB-related issues including return to work meetings, and she always holds management accountable by policing the collective agreement and focusing on best practices.

“Gladys is a capable and compassionate source of support and advocacy for every one of her co-workers,” said President Tosato. “She is a strong voice and an incredible ambassador for the Union in the workplace.”

Fundraising for the LLSC

Shannon Davidson (Metro 495) has been a member of UFCW Local 175 since May 2023, when she started working at Metro in the grocery department. Her nominators put Shannon’s name forward because she is a hard worker who is dedicated to making the workplace the best it can be for everyone.

One of the many ways Shannon has worked to build a strong community and sense of pride at work is through raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC).

As an assistant on the Metro LLSC Payroll Deduction Campaign last year, Shannon’s hard work generated many contributions that led her store to be among some of the highest fundraisers for the province-wide campaign in 2023.

This year, Shannon led the drive and almost doubled the total contributions from the previous year. She spoke with every employee in the store and ended up raising nearly $3,000.

“With her drive to go above and beyond, and her ability to build camaraderie amongst her peers, Shannon has shown herself to be a true inspiration in the workplace,” said President Tosato.

Contributions to the Community

Scott Jackson has been a proud UFCW member for 45 years. He is the Chief Steward at Highbury Canco in Leamington where he works as a Maintenance Line Operator. Scott is also a current Executive Board Vice President for Local 175.

As a leader in the workplace, Scott often puts others before himself and is a source of support and care for his co-workers. He is always looking to expand his knowledge base, especially when it comes to health and safety, and the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) process.

Outside of work, Scott continues his commitment to bettering the lives of others. He volunteers with an Essex County suicide help line, spending his Tuesday evenings speaking with troubled youth.

Scott is a huge help during the Local Union’s annual food drive in Leamington and he is a champion of solidarity, often visiting picket lines to support other Union members.

“Scott is always ready to lend a hand,” said President Tosato. “Whether at work or on his own time, Scott embodies compassion, care, and dedication in everything he takes on.”

Improving Workplace H&S or Workers’ Comp

Glenda Idolor (Rekai Centre) is a long-time member of the Union and has been a part of her workplace Health & Safety Committee for over 30 years.

As a Registered Nurse (RN) at the Rekai Centre, which is a long-term care facility in downtown Toronto, Glenda is an integral part of what keeps the nursing home a safe and healthy place for her co-workers.

Glenda takes her role and responsibilities seriously and has great attention to detail. With a proactive prevention-oriented approach, Glenda prefers to tackle an issue before an incident can happen and she is quick to offer support and helpful suggestions when incidents or concerns do arise.

During the pandemic, Glenda’s resilience and problem-solving skills were a great resource for residents and employees.

“Glenda epitomizes what it means to be a dedicated health and safety activist. Over the years, she has helped build a culture of safety in the workplace and she is well deserving of this award,” said President Tosato.