Local 1059 Members and Contractor Recognized at Labour Appreciation Awards Night
Local 1059 was very proud to represent at the United Way Elgin Middlesex Labour Appreciation Awards Night yesterday, where two of our members and one of our signatory contractors were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the labour community.
The evening was emceed by Local 1059’s In-house Legal Counsel Lauren Donohue and was attended by Business Manager Brandon MacKinnon, along with Business Representatives Dani Bartlett (joined by Local 1059 Steward Nicole Van Raes), Nathan Moniz and Brian Carlos.
A Labour Appreciation Award was presented to member Jose Blanco, a maintenance manager for @gdifacilityservices who oversees a team of about 30 people. Jose is known for the heart and care he pours into his role, and for the effort he makes ensuring newcomers to London are supported and integrated into the community.
We were also honoured to be present for two posthumous awards given in honour and memory of two important members of the Local 1059 community.
Before he passed away earlier this year, Frank Carreiro was a housekeeper working for Sodexo Canada at University Hospital. Frank will be remembered as a proud union activist who worked hard to ensure his fellow members and workers received equal treatment and that everyone in his midst felt that they mattered. Frank’s family were present and accepted a Labour Appreciation Award on Frank’s behalf.
Finally, former President of Local 1059 signatory contractor Old Oak Properties, Greg Bierbaum, was posthumously named this year’s recipient of The Jim MacKinnon Community Builder Award. Greg was a strong community builder in a literal sense, contributing to London’s growth and development, and through his passion, involvement, and charitable giving.
This award is named after Jim MacKinnon, former Business Manager of Local 1059, and was created in the spirit of Jim’s lasting legacy, passion, and advocacy. Greg’s son Mike accepted the award on Greg’s behalf.
Congratulations and thank you to all of the worthy recipients! Labourers truly build and better our communities in so many ways, and we’re proud to represent those who make an incredible difference with their skills, talent, and community spirit.
