AN INSPIRING VISIT: VISION LOSS REHABILITATION ALBERTA (VLRA)
Whenever President Thomas Hesse and Secretary Treasurer Richelle Stewart get the chance, they like to stop by the various workplaces UFCW Local 401 represents to see our members in action. There’s no better way to connect with and get to know our members than seeing firsthand what kind of work they perform and listening to the concerns they experience on a daily basis.
Local 401 represents an incredibly diverse membership base, with over 32,000 members in more than 300 workplaces across the province, some of which you may not be familiar with. For example, employees at Vision Loss Rehabilitation Alberta (VLRA) — with workplaces in both Calgary and Edmonton — count themselves among our members.
Recently, the President and Treasurer had the opportunity to say hello to our Edmonton VLRA members. They got an in-person technological demonstration from our long-term Shop Steward David Winchester. David walked through several impressive pieces of equipment that are used to help assist clients with varying levels of vision assistance needs.
The level of patience, detail, and care David displayed speaks to his years of experience, but also to a level of caring that is needed for the kind of work these members carry out. Having vision limitations himself, David knows on a personal level the kinds of struggles their clients can go through and is more than happy to provide the kind care they need.
Jennifer Belyea was also kind enough to stop in and give a thorough explanation of the kind of support she provides to their clients. As an Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Jennifer helps provide valuable skills and techniques for clients that need help navigating the outside world on their own.
Jennifer began by showing us a small tactile map she uses to help a blind client visualize the interior configuration of Meadowlark Mall in west Edmonton. She then explained how she took the client to the mall and employed special techniques to teach them how to utilize a white cane and make their way through the environment.
Later, Stephannie Leach portrayed the same level of care and passion as she explained her role with assisting clients with mobility within their homes. Given the personal vision limitations Stephannie has, she was inspiring to listen to as she detailed her need to travel and commute to clients’ homes to deliver a hands-on personal touch that is invaluable in her role.
Melissa Gushnowski and Alexandra Lucyk also took part in the visit and connected with the President and Treasurer to share insights about their work and the challenges they face, demonstrating the same kind of dedication and inspiration as their colleagues.
“All the members who shared their knowledge at VLRA do amazing work,” said Treasurer Stewart. “We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know and learn from them.”
“We could tell from the way our members at VLRA walked us through the importance of each of their roles, that this wasn’t just a job for them,” said President Hesse. “This is their passion and what they love doing.”
“Knowing the kind of valuable work they perform, and the difficulties that these members experience on a daily basis,” added Hesse: “We can’t help but think of the financial struggle that all of our members are experiencing in these unprecedented times.”
With these struggles always being at the forefront of his mind, President Hesse took the time during this visit to speak directly to the Company about the affordability crisis that our members face. He made it clear that their employees are struggling, and that they need help and compassion. And he made it clear that the Union will passionately advocate for better wages and conditions in all our workplaces.
Treasurer Stewart said: “Visits like this remind us of the importance of the work that all of our members provide and only serve to further motivate us in our fight to Stop the Squeeze!”
Posted on: July 25,2024