Union steward and young worker Kennedy Chiu is proud to be part of the union movement.
As a steward, he has helped members with a variety of issues, including hours, pay and unsafe working conditions.
“When I’m able to help members, it feels like it’s what I was meant to do,” Kennedy said. “There is no better feeling than helping someone who you know otherwise would be in a bind. It really does bring me a sense of peace.”
Kennedy participated in the UFCW Young Workers Internship Program (YIP), a training and education initiative to empower and educate youth across Canada.
“I was grateful to be part of YIP, I still keep in contact with the people I met in the program to discuss issues we face in the workplace,” Kennedy said. “UFCW is a community where we want to help and support each other to be the best we can be. Regardless of what you face or want to do, there is someone in the union who can help you out.”
Kennedy said he wants to amplify the voices of members who may not have the power or ability to do so on their own.
“The support and kindness that was given to me is something that I want to extend to others,” he said. “It has motivated me to push further and work harder because my power as a steward is an accumulation of so many other great people in the movement.”
