After more than 48 years in the labour movement, Regional Director Gord Albert has retired.
“It has been a long ride, no pun intended and I know we have excellent leadership and staff at the office and I wish them all the best,” Gord said.
Gord’s journey in the labour movement began as a deli clerk at an Ottawa Loblaws in 1976. Soon, he became a deli manager and worked in several stores throughout Ottawa. In the mid-1980s, he became a union steward, a decision that would change his life and the lives of local union members and their families.
“Anyone who takes on the role of union steward does it because they see co-workers who are being taken advantage of, who don’t know what to do or who are intimidated by management,” said Gord. “Helping those individuals is just the right thing to do.”
Hired on as a Union Representative, he serviced and negotiated contracts for a variety of workplaces and sectors, from retail stores to warehouses to hospitality to restaurants.
Gord was also well respected as an Instructor for the local union’s stewards training program and for the last 3 years worked as Regional Director for the Eastern area of the province.
“Working at the union gave me the ability to help,” said Gord. “Seeing the gains made for the members, whether individually or collectively, brings a sense of satisfaction. Even the smallest issue, a union representative deals with, is a large issue for the member – resolving it and seeing that member is happy is worth more than most would think.”
“I have made so many connections over the years,” Gord said. “I will miss the members and certainly the local union’s leadership and staff and their support over the years.”
Gord said it feels exciting and scary at the same time to retire.
“It seems that change always comes with a little uncertainty – retirement is a big change.”
