Outstanding Member Achievement Awards

Kola Akanbi – Christian HorizonsContributions to the Community

Kola is committed to making a positive impact in his community. With a long history of volunteerism, including at the Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities and Goodwill Employment Services, Kola selflessly puts his time and expertise to use to directly improve the lives of many people in need.

As a Direct Support Professional at Christian Horizons, Kola is an exemplary Union Steward who consistently goes above and beyond in his role to provide exceptional care and support to the people he serves.

“What truly sets Kola apart is his belief in the transformative power of volunteerism,” said Union Representative Hodan Wais. “He sees it as a way to not only build personal capacity, but also to uplift and support others within his community.”

His dedication and work ethic are a source of inspiration, and Kola's passion for community betterment is a shining example of our union's core values.

Gloria Maquiling – RexallLeadership & Advancement of UFCW

Gloria has been a Local 175 member for many years and she is a well-respected Union Steward at her Rexall store in Toronto.

With her experience and drive, Gloria is able to motivate and engage the other members in the workplace, especially new members, about the Union and the protections and benefits contained in their collective agreement.

As an active Union member, she encourages co-workers to get involved in their Union. And Gloria leads by example, too. She regularly attends membership meetings, community events including Labour Day, cell training opportunities, and conventions such as the Bylaw & Policy Conference in 2023.

“Gloria is a strong advocate for the Union,” said Servicing Representative Shirley Hepditch. “She is always a positive and encouraging voice for solidarity and getting people involved. I know this strength and tenacity goes a long way to ensuring her co-workers feel informed and protected at work.”

Elaine Wyllie – MetroFundraising for the LLSC

Elaine is a respected and long-serving Union Steward at Metro. For more than 14 years now, Elaine’s guidance and experience have served her co-workers well.

In 2009, Elaine lost her sister-in-law to leukemia. In her memory, Elaine supports the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) and its life-saving work. Elaine has been very involved in the Payroll Deduction fundraiser, which sees thousands of generous members at Metro sign up each year to donate a small portion of their weekly pay to the LLSC.

The passion of members like Elaine has raised hundreds of thousands for the LLSC through the Payroll Deduction Program over the years. Since 1985, the generosity of UFCW members across Canada has led to more than $50 million in support for the LLSC.

“Elaine is an incredible and supportive champion for her co-workers,” said Union Representative Jennifer Hanley. “Her commitment to fundraising for the LLSC is inspiring and just goes to show how much she cares for others in her community.”

Al Reston – FearmansImproving Workplace H&S or Workers’ Comp

Al is the Chief Steward and a long-time active member at Fearmans in Burlington. In April 2023, the employer issued letters to members at the plant about modified duties due to injury, which effectively reduced pay levels for members with Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) claims and/or permanent injuries.

In a clear breach of the collective agreement and the Human Rights Code, this letter advised affected members that their pay would be reduced to the level of the modified job they were doing. Al immediately began educating the members on their rights, and filed grievances on their behalf. He made sure to ease the members’ worries and let them know the Union stood behind them, and as a result of an arbitration decision, the grievors maintained their pre-injury rate of pay.

“Al recognizes the importance of health and safety in the workplace, and the rights and obligations of workers’ compensation,” said Union Representative Jason Hanley. “He is always keen to learn and ask questions, and is an incredible asset to his co-workers on the shop floor.”

Congratulations to the winning Members! For more information visit ufcw175.com/training-education/#awards.