June Zolinsky, Local 248P

Maple Leaf Foods
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

June began her work with Intercontinental Parkers in 1976.  Since that time, she has seen the company change owners six times and now it’s with Maple Leaf Foods.

When June first started she was in a non-bargaining unit position of Supervisor. That changed In 1994 when June she underwent carpel tunnel surgery to both her arms due to the repetitive and overload of almost twenty years of working in the plant.

June tried to come back to her former position in the plant but wasn’t able to.

Instead she was accommodated to her current position where she became a member of the UFCW Canada Local 248P bargaining unit.

June moved into the Maintenance Department with her accommodation.  When she started in the department there were three other women. With downsizing she is now the only one. She works in Inventory Control, looking after the inventory for all of the machinery.

If you ask June why she ran for the position of local union Treasurer, she tells you she wanted to see what was going on, what was happening, and wanted to try something new. She loves challenges and has jumped into the role with both feet and hasn’t looked back since.  Some days, June says there is so much to learn with every challenge or obstacle thrown at her — yet she knows she has the full support of her Local and UFCW Canada to help her succeed.

Sister Zolinsky is proud of her Local 248P and how it represents the membership, noting the improvements to wages, benefits, and health and safety issues.  Since taking on the position of Treasurer, June has encouraged others in her local who have never stepped forward or tried something different to become active.

“The more members who get involved, who take the chance to step forward in our union will benefit the entire membership at the end of the day,” she says.

June has a strong discipline and goes to the gym every day.  She enjoys the physical activity and it has become part of her daily lifestyle ever since she was injured.  June knows the importance of being active and the effect it has on her work and personal life. She loves to travel and explore new places.

June didn’t know what to expect when she got elected.  Now she knows that by standing and working together, everyone benefits in the workplace and in the community.