The gold shirts were out in full force at Canada’s Wonderland for Local 1000A’s annual Members’ Day on June 27, 2010. Hundreds of members, decked out in the local union’s colour, flocked to Canada’s largest theme park with family and friends for a non-stop day of rides, food and attractions. The local union’s Community Action Network (CAN) initiative drew members from different stores and sectors all across the province.
Members’ Day, like other CAN events, is about giving back to Local 1000A members and their families, said Tony Soares, Secretary Treasurer of the local union and chair of the network, seen in the photo to the left with his daughter Caitlyn.“We wanted to provide our members with a day of appreciation where they can come with their family and friends and enjoy the facility at a reduced cost,” Soares said.
Diana O’Brien, the coordinator for the event and a member of CAN, said Members’ Day is about building solidarity by bringing members from different stores and sectors together. “You get to see how diverse our union is,” said O’Brien, adding the event also exposes non-members to the union. Diana is seen in the photo to the right with Executive Vice President Pearl Sawyer.
What do the members have to say?
Jimi Reyez, a Dairy Manager and union steward at Danny’s No Frills in Hamilton, said “events, like this, build a better sense of community within the union.”
For many members, like Cindy Ramirez, the event was also a chance to spend quality time with loved ones. Ramirez, a packer at Kretschmar Inc., brought her one-year-old son, Clarence, her husband and mother to the theme park. “It gives time for the family to bond.”
Yesenia Guzman, who works at No Frills in London, was among the many youth at the Wonderland event. “I thought it was a good deal,” said Guzman. “If the union reaches out to youth with more events like this, it will definitely see more participation.”
