Outstanding Achievement Award winners

Congratulations to this year’s winners of the Outstanding Membership Achievement Awards!

Tammy Levesque – Dedication to Fundraising for the LLSC

Tammy is a Union Steward at Bearskin Airlines in Timmins. In fact, she was instrumental in helping to organize that workplace about four years ago. Tammy is a single mother who works two jobs but she always finds time to volunteer whenever she’s needed.

“I know that Tammy’s daughter Erin was diagnosed with leukemia when she was very young,” explained Union Rep Matt Belanger. “She’s involved in fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) because she knows exactly what it feels like to be affected by that diagnosis.”

Thankfully, Erin has been in remission for the better part of a decade now.

Despite her busy schedule, Tammy helped out after every shift to collect donations at the Stars & Thunder event in Timmins where the Union collected donations in exchange for parking. “I didn’t have many volunteers,” said Matt. “But Tammy even gave up a shift to help us out. With her help that week brought in $12,000 for the LLSC.”

Richard Charlebois – Outstanding Contributions to the Community

Richard is a member at Ridgewood Industries in Cornwall. For the past 18 years, Richard has volunteered for Partir d’un Bon Pas (Better Beginnings). This local organization provides support and a safe environment to help better the lives of children, their families, and the community. Richard helps by collecting prize donations for fundraisers and setting up at events such as the annual Volunteer Banquet. He also takes time to visit sick children in the hospital and give out gifts.

In addition, Richard volunteers at Racing Against Drugs. The annual program reaches about 1,200 students with the aim to educate them on how to say No to drugs. It is also a great opportunity to interact with local community partners such as police and EMS.

“Richard devotes many hours to working with youth and families in Cornwall, and he’s a great help at Labour Day too,” said Union Rep Lionel MacEachern. “He truly does make outstanding contributions to his community and I’m happy that the Union can recognize his efforts in this way.”

Betty Mbalire – Leadership and Advancement of the UFCW

For 17 years, Betty has worked at Ready Bake in Brampton. For the last eight of those years, she has served as a diligent and dedicated Union Steward for her co-workers. Betty spends a lot of her own time before and after work, helping members with grievances and other work-related issues. She always attends Steward training opportunities as they become available. In addition, she participated on the negotiating committee during the last round of bargaining as well.

Much of Betty’s focus is on ensuring the employer abides by the Workplace Safety & Insurance Act (WSIA). “Betty works tirelessly to make sure that the workplace is safe for all of her co-workers to come to every day,” said Union Rep Sam Caetano.

“She is a leader and I know I can rely on her to work in the best interests of everyone. Betty truly has the respect of all of her Union Sisters, Brothers, and Friends.”

Rick Szyja – Improving Health & Safety and WSIB in the workplace

Local 175 Executive Board Vice-President Rick Szyja has been an active member of the Local Union for about 10 years.

Rick works at Metro 422 in Thunder Bay, and he also worked at Metro 424. Not only is he a dedicated and Certified Health & Safety Representative for the members at Metro 422, but he also works as an instructor for the Local Union in various training capacities. This includes leading courses at Stewards conferences.

“Rick goes above and beyond in conveying the importance of health and safety matters at work,” said Union Rep Colby Flank. “He makes sure that he is available to speak to anyone with questions or concerns and he uses his wealth of knowledge to ensure that his co-workers have a healthy and safe place to come to work.”