UFCW 1006A member Anita Rotiroti, who works at Swiss Chalet, is one of the winners of our Share Your Pandemic Story contest!
Congratulations Anita! Your union has awarded 20 prizes – worth $250 each – to members whose entries are selected in the Share Your Pandemic Story contest.
Here is Anita's story:
"I've been a waitress for over 20 years and never before did I see how vulnerable the restaurant business is and the downside of the industry.
I was always able to make a livable income.
In March 2020 that all changed for me. I immediately was out of work and I wasn't call back to work for 18 months. CERB was my only source of income. My livable income became basic living expenses with nothing leftover.
Over the course of the lockdown, my union rep stayed in contact. She asked if I was okay and if I had any questions. I was surprised with her interest in me because I wasn't at my job.
Knowing that my union was still active and still supporting their members was comforting. My family and I, have had to make many changes in the way see and do things in life.
We take a portion from every paycheque to save for a rainy day. We live within our means.
We have a greater understanding on how to prepare for short or long term disruptions in life.
We are mindful and active on how we can stay safe as well as keeping others safe around us. This means understanding ways to stop the spread of germs, even if it means not going to work when sick and also not participating in social activities.
This pandemic has been an eye opener for how we will live our lives in the future."
