Gurdy Reehal, Local 1518

Save-On-Foods
Ladner, British Columbia

Gurdy Reehal, a 35-year UFCW Canada Local 1518 member, retired on December 24, 2009, as a proud union member who witnessed the changing roles of women in the workplace.

Gurdy started at Overwaitea in 1975 when she first moved to British Columbia from England.  “I started working at Prairie Market. Then I got a job at Save-On-Foods #936 in Ladner as a file maintenance worker, where I worked from then on,” said Gurdy.

“Some of the advantages of being in the union soon became very clear.  When I was hired I was making $4.90 an hour. After a month or so the membership went on strike. When the strike was settled I got a $2.00 raise.”

Over the years, she continued to experience how the union helped through contract negotiations in getting good wages and benefits for the members at her store.

Gurdy is also thankful she was able to witness the changing roles of women in the workplace over the years. Today, she finds women have much more opportunity to get ahead.

“I am proud of all the achievements we have seen over the years, and know the union was a big part of making it better for women.”

Gurdy is married, with two children who have both worked at Save-On-Foods: daughter Neena, 32, and a son Robin, 23. After 35 years of service with Overwaitea Foods Groups, Gurdy plans to spend part of her retirement working as a hospital volunteer.