Monday, March 6, 2023

A Milestone 30 Years in the Making

Dozens of stewards were recognized for their years of dedication at the 2022 National Stewards Conference in Banff, Alberta, last November. But one name in particular reached an anniversary that few have equalled or surpassed: Local 301 steward Lee Anne Stetson

Lee Anne was honoured for more than 30 years of service to the union and its members at Save-On-Foods’ Lethbridge North store. She was presented with her steward recognition certificate at the November 23 conference banquet by representative Mike Montague, who she credits with being a guiding light in her role.

“Mike is a patient man,” says Lee Anne. “I did challenge him sometimes, but he’s always willing to listen to my point of view. I find that what he’s given me over the years has been invaluable.”

Her time at the grocery retailer has afforded her many opportunities. Recently, she has been travelling across Alberta and to other provinces to help open new stores and train employees, a project that allows her to leverage her years of experience.

“I’ve done every role on the front end,” she notes. “Before I was at Save-On, I worked in customer service, as an assistant manager at a hotel. It was a natural transition.”

Though unfamiliar with CLAC in her early Save-On days, she quickly became interested in what the organization offered and how she could help her fellow members.

“I’ve always believed in unions,” says Lee Anne. “I had family members in unions. I knew CLAC was different, but the main reason I joined is because I was not happy with some things, and rather than just sit in the background and complain about it, I thought I should be a part of the solution. So that’s why I became a steward.”

Stewardship has been beneficial to Lee Anne in many ways. One thing that she sees as a great assistance to both her and her fellow members is CLAC’s Mental Health First Aid Training and other related supports that the union offers.

“I’m a big advocate for mental health awareness,” she explains. “I believe that we have to promote it, and the union has really jumped on that bandwagon.”

In addition to recognizing Lee Anne’s 30 years of service, two other members employed by Save-On were recognized for their impressive long-time service as stewards. Connie Bonney (Fort McMurray location) and Lee McKay (Baseline location) have each served their fellow members for 25 years in the role.

Congrats to Lee Anne, Lee, and Connie, and here’s to many more years of successful stewardship!

We will be featuring more of Lee Anne and her journey as a steward and career at Save-On-Foods in the June issue of the Guide, CLAC’s national magazine for members.

Lee Anne Stetson, Mike Montague (representative)

Lee McKay, Connie Bonney

A Milestone 30 Years in the Making

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