"I saw first-hand the difference that union representation can make"
Three years ago when I faced a difficult situation at work, my union came through for me. After working part-time in HMR/Deli for eight years, I applied to a full-time position on nights in the Meat Department. That position had become open after a worker in that department had transferred out to another store/department. I soon became full-time in the Meat Department and passed my probation.
My situation changed when the worker, who had originally transferred out, decided to return. Suddenly, I went from working 40 hours to working part-time four hours a week. As I was in a new department, my eight years of seniority was taken away and I was at the bottom of the list when it came to scheduling.
The situation was incredibly upsetting. I called my union rep, Carla. As a mother of two with a mortgage, I just couldn’t live like this. I just wanted to return back to my original position and get my seniority back. Carla was my rock through this time. She was supportive and was there for me at all times. She was on top of the situation and kept me in the loop throughout the entire process.
It was amazing how hard she fought for me. Through Carla’s efforts and due to extenuating circumstances, I regained my seniority and was able to work 28 hours or more again. Today, I work full-time and am now a union steward because I saw first-hand the difference that union representation can make.
- Rose Krstevski, RCSS Whitby
Now That's the Union Advantage is a special Local 1000A series where members talk to Connections magazine about the difference union representation can make!
