OUR VISION

We are a progressive growing union dedicated to improving worker’s rights by empowering members and fighting together for a higher standard of living for all.

YOUR LEADERSHIP

KIM NOVAK

President

For Kim Novak, the heart of the union is its members. She is a passionate advocate for social justice who draws upon her experience as a Safeway clerk in fighting for what’s right for members. Although she once considered a future in the legal profession, Kim’s job as a summer student for UFCW 1518 showed her the power of organized labour to make a real difference in workers’ lives.

After graduating with a degree in history from the University of British Columbia in 2007, Kim worked at the union in various positions, including communication representative, union representative, director and Secretary-Treasurer. She was unanimously elected President by the Executive Board in 2019. Kim is committed to bringing about positive change on issues that matter to members through education, engagement and empowerment. Her long term goal is to continue building member power in the workplace and for UFCW 1518 to become a leader in human rights and equity, fighting for fairness one member at a time.

Patrick Johnson

Secretary-Treasurer

 

A labour activist and environmentalist, Secretary-Treasurer Patrick Johnson has been organizing communities and handing out leaflets for as long as he can remember. It was through his fight for regional equity that he first witnessed the power of unions to bring progressive change on issues like affordable housing, environmental sustainability and workers’ rights. Patrick started with the UFCW 1518 in 2009, working as an organizer and fighting to bring the rights and benefits of the union to non-unionized workers. Since then, he has led successful organizing drives in the retail and industrial sectors, helping tip the scales toward justice for more British Columbian workers.

Patrick believes every worker is an organizer, with the power to bring fairness to the workplace and beyond; he is dedicated to building our members’ collective strength through education, engagement and political action. Patrick served as Executive Assistant from 2016-2019, when he was unanimously elected by UFCW 1518’s Executive Board to the position of Secretary-Treasurer. Patrick lives on the traditional and unceded territory of Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations with his wife and young two daughters. He has a degree in Environmental Policy from Western Washington.

KIM NOVAK

President

For Kim Novak, the heart of the union is its members. She is a passionate advocate for social justice who draws upon her experience as a Safeway clerk in fighting for what’s right for members. Although she once considered a future in the legal profession, Kim’s job as a summer student for UFCW 1518 showed her the power of organized labour to make a real difference in workers’ lives.

After graduating with a degree in history from the University of British Columbia in 2007, Kim worked at the union in various positions, including communication representative, union representative, director and Secretary-Treasurer. She was unanimously elected President by the Executive Board in 2019. Kim is committed to bringing about positive change on issues that matter to members through education, engagement and empowerment. Her long term goal is to continue building member power in the workplace and for UFCW 1518 to become a leader in human rights and equity, fighting for fairness one member at a time.

Kim Novak

Patrick Johnson

Secretary-Treasurer

A labour activist and environmentalist, Secretary-Treasurer Patrick Johnson has been organizing communities and handing out leaflets for as long as he can remember. It was through his fight for regional equity that he first witnessed the power of unions to bring progressive change on issues like affordable housing, environmental sustainability and workers’ rights. Patrick started with the UFCW 1518 in 2009, working as an organizer and fighting to bring the rights and benefits of the union to non-unionized workers. Since then, he has led successful organizing drives in the retail and industrial sectors, helping tip the scales toward justice for more British Columbian workers.

Patrick believes every worker is an organizer, with the power to bring fairness to the workplace and beyond; he is dedicated to building our members’ collective strength through education, engagement and political action. Patrick served as Executive Assistant from 2016-2019, when he was unanimously elected by UFCW 1518’s Executive Board to the position of Secretary-Treasurer. Patrick lives on the traditional and unceded territory of Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations with his wife and young two daughters. He has a degree in Environmental Policy from Western Washington.

Kim Novak

President

For Kim Novak, the heart of the union is its members. She is a passionate advocate for social justice who draws upon her experience as a Safeway clerk in fighting for what’s right for members. Although she once considered a future in the legal profession, Kim’s job as a summer student for UFCW 1518 showed her the power of organized labour to make a real difference in workers’ lives.

After graduating with a degree in history from the University of British Columbia in 2007, Kim worked at the union in various positions, including communication representative, union representative, director and Secretary-Treasurer. She was unanimously elected President by the Executive Board in 2019. Kim is committed to bringing about positive change on issues that matter to members through education, engagement and empowerment. Her long term goal is to continue building member power in the workplace and for UFCW 1518 to become a leader in human rights and equity, fighting for fairness one member at a time.

Patrick Johnson

Patrick Johnson

Secretary-Treasurer

A labour activist and environmentalist, Secretary-Treasurer Patrick Johnson has been organizing communities and handing out leaflets for as long as he can remember. It was through his fight for regional equity that he first witnessed the power of unions to bring progressive change on issues like affordable housing, environmental sustainability and workers’ rights. Patrick started with the UFCW 1518 in 2009, working as an organizer and fighting to bring the rights and benefits of the union to non-unionized workers. Since then, he has led successful organizing drives in the retail and industrial sectors, helping tip the scales toward justice for more British Columbian workers.

Patrick believes every worker is an organizer, with the power to bring fairness to the workplace and beyond; he is dedicated to building our members’ collective strength through education, engagement and political action. Patrick served as Executive Assistant from 2016-2019, when he was unanimously elected by UFCW 1518’s Executive Board to the position of Secretary-Treasurer. Patrick lives on the traditional and unceded territory of Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations with his wife and young two daughters. He has a degree in Environmental Policy from Western Washington.

your EXECUTIVE BOARD

UFCW 1518 believes that by being a member-driven and democratic union we are stronger in standing together in our fight for fairness.

 Our Executive Board consists of rank and file members from across the province, elected by our membership.

Jennifer Brown

Safeway

Jennifer Brown has been a member of UFCW for 29 years. Whether in her role as a shop steward, or JHSC cochair/member she builds relationships and is a strong advocate

She is passionate about the impact of politics on a personal level, worker’s rights and disability and identity issues.

Connie Buckner

Cowichan Home Support

A UFCW 1518 member for over 30 years, Connie Buckner is deeply committed to the union cause. Connie has served the members of UFCW 1518 as a temporary servicing representative, Bargaining Committee member, and shop steward.

She has served as a member, and Vice President of 1518’s Executive Board, where she has been a tireless advocate for Healthcare Sector members and the communities they support.  

Jhoelyn cantil

Sunrise Poultry

Bio coming soon!

Angela Crosato

Safeway

Angela Crosato ia dedicated UFCW 1518 member, and shop steward for over 20 years. She recently advocated for colleagues in the 2023 Sobeys bargaining negotiations. 

Angela is a staunch advocate for workers’ rightsthe LGBTQIA2S+ community, and her fellow coworkers, and is passionate about cinema, travel, music, and supporting her colleagues. 

Teresa-Lyne Dziedzic

Safeway Pharmacy

Teresa-Lyne Dziedzic, has been a pharmacy assistant at Safeway for the last 25 years. Her years of service as a UFCW 1518 member are marked by a passion for educating members about their rights.

Teresa-Lyne brings her passion for empowering workers to the Executive Board, and she looks forward to supporting the next generation of UFCW 1518 workplace leaders. 

Jaime Emerson

Save-On-Foods

As a member for 24+ years, Jaime Emerson is a committed advocate for workers, having served on multiple bargaining committees, as shop steward, and Health & Safety Representative. A mother to three boys, one whom is a young adult with disabilities, Jaime is very passionate about addressing inequalities that limit a person’s ability to access opportunities to achieve better health, education, and economic opportunity in the workplace.

Jaime is dedicated to empowering workers and will continue to advocate and engage all UFCW 1518 Members during her term. 

Virgil Encarnacion

Sofina Foods

Virgil Encarnacion has been a member of UFCW 1518 for 18 years, passionately serving workers across BC as a shop steward, Co-Chair of the Health and Safety Committee, Bargaining Committee member, and Executive Board member.

Virgil is dedicated to empowering workers, protecting their rights and ensuring hard-fought agreements are respected.  

Marylou Fonda

Save-On-Foods

Marylou Fonda as been a UFCW 1518 member for 20 years.  In that time, she has been involved with political action and union organizingand recently fought for a fair contract at the Save-On-Foods bargaining table. 

Marylou also serves on the Indigenous committee and as a shop steward in her workplace

Dedicated to the fight for fairness, Marylou is a committed advocate who speaks up for workers rights across North America.

Nanette Fredericks

Recorder

Nanette Fredericks is a dedicated advocate who has served UFCW 1518 members for numerous terms as member and Recorder on the Union’s Executive Board.

As shop steward, Bargaining Committee member and Co-Chair of the Health and Safety Committee, Nanette has fought for the safety, respect, and dignity of workers across BC

Outside of her union advocacy, Nanette also enjoys gardening, camping and travelling. 

James Grant

Save-On-Foods

Bio coming soon!

Kathleen Guerin

Save-On-Foods

Kathleen Guerin has been an active UFCW 1518 member for over 16 years and has represented her unit as a shop steward since 2014.

Joining the Executive Board for a second term, Kathleen is passionate about empowering members, and supporting them wherever possible.

She looks forward to continuing as an advocate and fighting for fairness. 

Christine Holowka

Save-On-Foods

Christine Holowka, a dedicated 35-year member of UFCW 1518, joined the Executive Board in 2012.

She is a passionate advocate for education and awareness on indigenous issues, having served on the Provincial Indigenous Committee, National Indigenous Sub-Committee, and Human Rights Equity and Diversity National Committee.

Christine is committed to engaging with members and empowering them to use their voices to champion workers’ and human rights. 

Erica Jones

Save-On-Foods

Erica Jones joins the Executive Board after serving as shop steward for over 8 years. Erica is passionate about bringing their lived experience as a queer, neurodivergent person to the Board.

A champion of the labour movement’s root values of economic and social justice, Erica is dedicated to providing educational opportunities to members and empowering their collective voice. 

Anita Letendre

Save-On-Foods

Anita Letendre, a UFCW 1518 shop steward for 35+ years and current Executive Board Member, fearlessly advocates for members.

Dedicated to Indigenous issues, she dismantles barriers, educates, and defends those who are exploited.

She looks forward to serving UFCW 1518 members, while empowering and advocating for workers across BC and the Yukon. 

Rajiv Mehra

Grand River Foods

A seasoned advocate, Rajiv Mehra has been a UFCW 1518 member for 17 years, serving as an Executive Board member, and Chief Steward in his unit. Rajiv is passionate about building equality, solidarity and fairness among members.

Committed to workers’ rights, he looks forward to empowering and supporting members, while organizing workers to secure the respect and fairness they deserve. 

Armin Reyes

Safeway Reline Crew

Armin Reyes a breadth of experience to the Board of Directors. A UFCW 1518 member for 41 years, Armin has worked across different units, serving in roles including SCOP Coordinator and steward. 

Presently, Armin serves on the Safeway Reline Crew and as Vice President of the Safeway Employees Association. Cultivating robust connections with UFCW members in both work and volunteer settings, Armin looks forward to fighting for fairness on their behalf.

Dennis Sato

Safeway

Dennis is a 35-year Safeway veteran. He brings a diverse list of experiences. He has served as shop steward, Health and Safety Co-chair and Training Mentor. Dennis brings a passion for coaching and mentoring. 

As a committed community member and volunteer coach outside of his workplace, Dennis looks forward to bringing his passion for mentoring and supporting others to UFCW 1518.

Joel Simmons

Save-On-Foods

Joel Simmons is a dedicated union advocate, writer, and community member who has been a UFCW 1518 member for 8 years. Serving as shop steward and representing Save-On-Foods members recently at the bargaining table, Joel is committed to fighting for workers’ rights.

Joel hopes to support UFCW members and advocate for progressive issues like the four-day work week. 

As a former member of the Canadian Cancer Society, Joel organized a Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock Fundraiser. 

Eleanor Smith

Penticton Home Support

Preparing to serve UFCW 1518 members for her 5th term on the Executive Board, Eleanor is a longtime union activist.

Becoming shop steward shortly after her unit organized, Eleanor has spent the last 36 years fighting for respect on behalf of Community Health members as a bargaining committee and vocal advocate. 

Eleanor is passionate about educating members and ensuring they are respected for the vital work they do in their communities. 

Kevin Sparkes

Sunrise Poultry

Kevin Sparks has been a champion of workers’ rights for over 36 years. 

Serving his colleagues as a shop steward and on numerous bargaining committees, Kevin brought his experience to the Executive Board in 2017. As a board member, he is a staunch advocate for fair wages, safe work environments, and respect for workers, not just in his unit, but for all workers. 

Kevin is proud to be a UFCW 1518 member and to fight for fairness in solidarity with workers across Canada.

“Solidarity forever.”

Jennifer Vecchio

Nelson Home Support

Jennifer Vecchio is a dedicated union advocate who has served on UFCW 1518’s Executive Board for over 25 years.

As Community Health Worker with 39 years’ experience in Nelson British Columbia, she brings a wealth of experience to the board, tirelessly advocating for UFCW’s Healthcare Sector membership and championing critical issues, including addressing violence against women. 

Marlene White

Sobeys

Marlene White brings dedication and passion to the UFCW 1518 Executive Board, mirroring the commitment to service she shows in her workplace. 

A defender of worker’s rights, Marlene actively advocates for workers while empowering them to advocate for themselves as well. She fights to ensure hard-fought contracts are honored and workers respected.

Marlene is excited for the future of UFCW 1518 and looks forward to engaging with members over her term.

Linda Wilson

Port Alberni Home Support

Community Healthcare advocate Linda Wilson has served UFCW members as a shop steward, OHS member, and Executive Board member since 2017. 

A fierce advocate for workers, with a particular focus on health and safety, Linda has fought for workers on two bargaining committees, securing significant gains for UFCW’s healthcare members. 

Linda looks forward to continuing to support members and grow worker power across the country. 

David Gutierrez

Save-On-Foods

David Gutierrez, a UFCW 1518 member for over 16 years, has brought passion and experience to the Executive Board since 2017. 

His involvement spans roles on UFCW’s National Legislative and Political Action Committee and the Executive Council to the BC Fed., alongside contributions to his workplace and community. David is passionate about cultivating new leaders and empowering them to fight for respect and appreciation in their workplaces

Hconsiders it an honour and privilege to serve UFCW’s members for another term, and he is optimistic for the collective achievements which lie ahead. 

Peter Dombrowski

Sobeys

37-year UFCW 1518 veteran, Peter Dombrowski has served members as shop steward, union liaison, temporary representative, and thrice at the bargaining table. Peter is passionate about educating members on the critical role unions play in fair workplaces and empowering them to get involved. 

Peter believes in a collaborative approach, working with others to achieve gains for workers across BC and the Yukon. 

some of the workplaces we represent