For 38 years, United Way and Labour have worked together to improve lives and build strong, active, inclusive, and healthy communities. Behind the achievements of this partnership are people who dedicate their lives and careers to advocating for social change.
Three outstanding community and labour champions were recognized at the 24th Annual Labour Appreciation Night held last night. Each individual is a strong advocate for our communities and works every day to empower those individuals who live, work and play in the Lower Mainland.
The event was hosted by United Way British Columbia, the Vancouver and District Labour Council and the New Westminster & District Labour Council.
Left to right: Janet Andrews, Secretarty-Treasurer, New Westminster & District Labour Council; Lori Mayhew, award winner; Joey Hartman, President, Vancouver and District Labour Council; David Fairey, award winner; Nikki Hill, Director, CLC Labour Participation, UWBC; Irene Lanzinger, award winner.
The 2017 Community Service Award winners are:
Joe Morris Labour Community Service Award – Irene Lanzinger
Irene Lanzinger is the first woman ever elected as President of the BC Federation of Labour (BCFED) – a position that she has held since 2014. She has a long history as a strong leader in the labour movement (particularly the BCTF) and is deeply committed to advancing equality, protecting vulnerable workers, and strengthening workplace safety, both here at home as well as abroad.
In addition to her international missions in less developed nations, Irene has worked with many local community organizations, including First Call, the Poverty Reduction Coalition, Living Wage for Families Campaign, and as a member of the United Way Campaign Cabinet Labour Committee (2010 – 2014).
Vancouver & District Labour Council Syd Thompson Community Service Award – David Fairey
David Fairey is a renowned Labour Economist and author of numerous articles, papers and reports. His many roles include Labour Relations Research and Advocacy Consultant, Senior Advocate with Health Sciences Association of BC, Research Associate of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – BC Office, Co-Chair of the BC Employment Standards Coalition and proud father.
David continues to be a passionate advocate for workers’ rights in both unionized as well as non-unionized environments and is interested in employment standards and enforcement reform.
New Westminster & District Labour Council’s Labour Community Service Award – Lori Mayhew
Lori Mayhew began her labour career in 1990. As soon as she passed her probation period, she became a job steward.
During her career, Lori has held two key labour positons, Secretary-Treasurer of MoveUP since 1999 and President of the New Westminster and District Labour Council since 2009. She is also very active politically, both provincially and federally, and has been a dedicated parent volunteer at school and for her children’s many sports and recreational activities. As an activist and pension trustee, her passion is pensions and helping to ensure that everyone will have a decent income in their retirement.
Learn more about the United Way and Labour partnership and how we’re working together to build strong communities across the Lower Mainland.
Topics : Building strong communities, Labour
