Kathy Erickson, Local 1400

Real Canadian Superstore – Confederation Park
Saskatoon (Saskatchewan)

Kathy has worked at the Confederation Park location of the Real Canadian Superstore (Loblaw) for the past thirteen years. She is a cashier and over the past number of years has also taken on additional duties in the front end department.

As an active Shop Steward in the workplace over the past seven years, she stands up for what she believes and will take any management personnel to task if needed. She has also developed an excellent rapport with everyone she works with including the store management which has helped to create a tone of mutual respect and has helped her to resolve many workplace issues before they are able to fester and grow.

She became involved with her local and in her workplace during the 2002 Westfair strike. When asked what got her more interested in her union she simply says “we went on strike, nothing gets you involved quicker.”

Since that time, she has proved to be a definite asset to her fellow members. She is a facilitator with the SK UFCW Education and Training Centre educating members in many aspects of labour education and computer training offered through the Centre, and is also a Level I Provincial Occupational Health and Safety instructor.

As the Saskatoon and area chair of the Local 1400 Women’s Committee she has also been an integral part of the rejuvenation and relevancy of this committee.Kathy enjoys watching soccer and has attended many games over the years as her children have all taken part in this activity. With her husband and three daughters, ages 18, 20 and 21, they enjoy many family get-togethers, long bike rides and almost anything that takes place outside in the summer. She also enjoys knitting and quilting during the cooler months.