When Diana O’Brien started with Loblaws in 1980 as a part-time cashier, she couldn’t have predicted where life would take her.
Forty-five years later, she has retired as a union representative with UFCW 1006A.“It gave me a sense of pride and accomplishment to have been part of our union, and to make a difference in the lives of our members,” she said.
Since becoming a union member, Diana worked at nine stores in a variety of roles, which included grocery clerk, dairy clerk, salad bar clerk, analyst and assistant customer service manager.
The union became a bigger part of her life in 1990 when she began attending rallies and volunteering. In 2001, she became a steward and from there, her activism blossomed. She served as a member of the Women’s Issues Network and then, coordinator and as an instructor for the local's Stewards Training program. She also worked at the union information booths at Loblaws Great Food and Superstore.
Ten years ago, she became part of the local union staff.
“I always wanted to help members and being a union representative gave me a greater ability to make an impact,” she said.
Diana also showed her passion, serving as a coordinator for Leukemia Fundraising initiatives for the local union. In every role, she worked to foster and grow member activism within the local union.
Diana said she has many fond memories of the membership participating at local union events, from Members’ Days to Light the Night events.
“I will always remember these moments.”
She will also miss the relationships that she built with staff.
“I am going to miss the people I worked with – we were co-workers and we were friends.”
In her retirement years, her plans are simple.
“I am looking forward to relaxation and quality time with my husband.”
