Dharmendran Manoharan – Scholarship

Congratulations to Dharmendran, winner of one of just two Robert McWilliams Memorial $2500 scholarships!

Dharmendran is pursuing his Master’s of Engineering (specifically Mechanical Engineering) at the University of Calgary. He is also a part-time employee and UFCW Local 401 member at Real Canadian Superstore.

As part of his application, Dharmendran produced a powerful video essay on the power of unions and on what it means to be an engaged union member. He participated in union meetings and rallies and interviewed union members in his workplace as part of his scholarship application and the production of his video essay.

“Unions are a powerful force that brings people together, unites them, and makes them stronger and safer,” he tells us in that essay. “The Union stands as a powerful force for human rights, and in this case, labour rights.”

Dharmendran identified a number of specific benefits associated with a strong union. In particular: that it uplifts people and their communities through the support of fair wages, and that it helps to ameliorate the cost of health care through health and dental insurance (something Dharmendran noted he has personally benefited from, along with many of his colleagues).

“Together, we are stronger,” says Dharmendran, who notes that big union victories become possible through collective bargaining and “when each member understands the power of unity.”

Dharmendran, we thank you for your membership, for your clear-eyed understanding of the role unions play in our society, and for your remarkable application. Your win is well-deserved, and we wish you all the best for your future success!