UFCW 1006A mourns the passing of Carrie Chenier, a former health and safety and WSIB Representative with the local union.
A long time union and community activist, Carrie joined the local union in 1999 and made a difference in the lives of members across Ontario.
During her time with the local union, Carrie handled appeals with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, advocated for disability benefits under the Canada Pension Plan and helped members with health and safety issues. She was the fundraising coordinator for the local's efforts to raise funds for Leukemia & Lymphoma research and served on the WIN committee.
Carrie’s journey within the labour movement began as a Northern Ontario steelworker, working in Rio Algom’s uranium mine in Elliot Lake, Ontario for 23 years. After starting as a machinist apprentice, Chenier worked underground where she became the first woman to work in the mine operating a “jaw crusher”, which crushed huge chunks of ore to be taken to ground level.
Over the years, Carrie became active with the United Steelworkers and eventually became a full-time union representative with them in 1985. There, she handled compensation claims related to miners who died of occupational diseases. Carrie also was an instructor with the OFL’s WSIB Training Project and was president of the Elliot Lake and District Labour Council. From there, she came to UFCW where she worked until her retirement.
Carrie, Rest In Peace.
