Luis Rufo photo

Long-time union stalwarts (from left) Donavan Hatori, Gary James, Bonnie James, Bruce Morgan and Bryce Albrecht were presented pins and certificates at a special luncheon held in their honour.

30 November 2009

Long-time union members
saluted for commitment, mentoring

Media and Communications Workers of Alberta | CWA Canada Local 30400

Five long-time members of the union that represents workers at the Red Deer Advocate have been recognized for their commitment to organized labour and for being an inspiration to a new generation of activists.

Pertinent
12 April 2009
Alberta newsroom workers volunteer time off to protect colleagues' jobs

"These people were members of the union long before the Advocate became a wall-to-wall bargaining unit more than 18 years ago," said Jack Wilson, president of the Local. "They often made sacrifices to serve in various union capacities and help their fellow workers. These sharing and caring attitudes were instilled in them as they, too, learned their craft from older union members."

Two of the five, all of whom toiled as either journeymen pressmen or compositors, continue to work at the Advocate. Almost all of them served on the Local's executive board or in various union capacities during their illustrious careers in the industry.

Being proud members of the oldest trade organization in Canada (formerly the International Typographical Union), "we owe these members our debt of gratitude today," Wilson said during a luncheon held in their honour on Nov. 21.

Wilson and the Local's secretary-treasurer, Luis Rufo, presented 25- and 40-year pins and certificates. Recipients included Bruce Morgan, journeyman ad compositor for 46 years; Bonnie James, journeyman ad compositor for 40 years; Gary James, journeyman pressman for 35 years; Donavan Hatori, journeyman ad compositor for 36 years; and Bryce Albrecht, journeyman ad compositor and pressman for 36 years.

In addition to pins and certificates, the five were also presented with metal water bottles featuring the new CWA|SCA Canada logo.

Also present at the luncheon were Red Deer Advocate Lodge Representative Harry Numrich and Lodge Vice-President Janice Contant.