YOUR LEADERSHIP
A labour activist and environmentalist, Secretary-Treasurer Patrick Johnson has been organizing communities and handing out leaflets for as long as he can remember. It was through his fight for regional equity that he first witnessed the power of unions to bring progressive change on issues like affordable housing, environmental sustainability and workers’ rights. Patrick started with the UFCW 1518 in 2009, working as an organizer and fighting to bring the rights and benefits of the union to non-unionized workers. Since then, he has led successful organizing drives in the retail and industrial sectors, helping tip the scales toward justice for more British Columbian workers.
Patrick believes every worker is an organizer, with the power to bring fairness to the workplace and beyond; he is dedicated to building our members’ collective strength through education, engagement and political action. Patrick served as Executive Assistant from 2016-2019, when he was unanimously elected by UFCW 1518’s Executive Board to the position of Secretary-Treasurer. Patrick lives on the traditional and unceded territory of Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations with his wife and young two daughters. He has a degree in Environmental Policy from Western Washington.
President Patrick Johnson believes every worker is an organizer. Patrick served as Executive Assistant to UFCW 1518 leadership from 2016-2019 and was elected by the membership to the position of Secretary-Treasurer in 2019 and again in 2023. In June of 2024, Patrick was unanimously elected by UFCW 1518’s Executive Board to the position of President
In this role, Patrick continues his longtime commitment to organized labour and environmental activism. For more than two and half decades Patrick has amplified the importance of agreeing on a common agenda for future action on workers’ rights, good jobs, and positive environmental and climate actions. It was through his fight for regional equity that he first witnessed the power of unions to bring progressive change on issues like reconciliation, affordable housing, environmental sustainability and workers’ rights. Patrick started with the UFCW 1518 in 2009, working as an Organizer and fighting to bring the rights and benefits of the union to non-unionized workers. Since then, he has led successful organizing drives in the retail and industrial sectors and bargained many strong collective agreements, helping tip the scales toward justice for more British Columbian workers.
UFCW 1518’s financial strength was transformed under Patrick’s former role as Secretary Treasurer, building sustainable operations and a robust member action fund to represent and support members during bargaining and in the fight for better working conditions.
Patrick believes in the power of organizing. He is dedicated to building our members’ collective strength through education, engagement and political action. Patrick lives on the traditional and unceded territory of Shíshálh First Nations with his wife and young two daughters. He has a degree in Environmental Policy from Western Washington.
Secretary-Treasurer Ronda Melbourne is a passionate advocate for workers’ rights. Ronda began her journey with UFCW 1518 in 1998 when the store where she worked, Cooper’s Foods, became part of the Overwaitea Food Group and unionized. Since becoming a rank-and-file union member Ronda has taken on many leadership roles at her workplace and the local – her involvement with UFCW 1518 has spanned decades. In August of 2024, Ronda was elected by UFCW 1518’s Executive Board to the position of Secretary-Treasurer.
In 2009 and 2014, Ronda served on the Bargaining Committee for Cooper’s Foods, showcasing her commitment to securing better working conditions for her co-workers. As a Shop Steward and Workplace Leader she was a key player in representing and supporting her fellow members.
From 2016 to 2019, Ronda was an Executive Board Member, providing strategic leadership during a pivotal time for UFCW 1518. She also served as Temporary Union Representative in 2016 and became a Full-Time Union Representative in 2018.
Her extensive experience includes being one of the lead contract negotiators in 2023 for both Save-On-Foods and Safeway. Additionally, she has previously serviced our major foods stores, industrial plants and workers in our healthcare sector.
Ronda’s lived experience as a former UFCW 1518 member and well-rounded knowledge of our local’s diverse membership make her an invaluable asset to the leadership of UFCW 1518. Ronda is an experienced negotiator, furthering her expertise through education at the Justice Institute of British Columbia.
Secretary-Treasurer Ronda Melbourne is a passionate advocate for workers’ rights. Ronda began her journey with UFCW 1518 in 1998 when the store where she worked, Cooper’s Foods, became part of the Overwaitea Food Group and unionized. Since becoming a rank-and-file union member Ronda has taken on many leadership roles at her workplace and the local – her involvement with UFCW 1518 has spanned decades. In August of 2024, Ronda was elected by UFCW 1518’s Executive Board to the position of Secretary-Treasurer.
In 2009 and 2014, Ronda served on the Bargaining Committee for Cooper’s Foods, showcasing her commitment to securing better working conditions for her co-workers. As a Shop Steward and Workplace Leader she was a key player in representing and supporting her fellow members.
From 2016 to 2019, Ronda was an Executive Board Member, providing strategic leadership during a pivotal time for UFCW 1518. She also served as Temporary Union Representative in 2016 and became a Full-Time Union Representative in 2018.
Her extensive experience includes being one of the lead contract negotiators in 2023 for both Save-On-Foods and Safeway. Additionally, she has previously serviced our major foods stores, industrial plants and workers in our healthcare sector.
Ronda’s lived experience as a former UFCW 1518 member and well-rounded knowledge of our local’s diverse membership make her an invaluable asset to the leadership of UFCW 1518. Ronda is an experienced negotiator, furthering her expertise through education at the Justice Institute of British Columbia.
Patrick Johnson
Secretary-Treasurer
A labour activist and environmentalist, Secretary-Treasurer Patrick Johnson has been organizing communities and handing out leaflets for as long as he can remember. It was through his fight for regional equity that he first witnessed the power of unions to bring progressive change on issues like affordable housing, environmental sustainability and workers’ rights. Patrick started with the UFCW 1518 in 2009, working as an organizer and fighting to bring the rights and benefits of the union to non-unionized workers. Since then, he has led successful organizing drives in the retail and industrial sectors, helping tip the scales toward justice for more British Columbian workers.
Patrick believes every worker is an organizer, with the power to bring fairness to the workplace and beyond; he is dedicated to building our members’ collective strength through education, engagement and political action. Patrick served as Executive Assistant from 2016-2019, when he was unanimously elected by UFCW 1518’s Executive Board to the position of Secretary-Treasurer. Patrick lives on the traditional and unceded territory of Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations with his wife and young two daughters. He has a degree in Environmental Policy from Western Washington.
your EXECUTIVE BOARD
Jennifer Brown has been a member of UFCW for 29 years. Whether in her role as a shop steward, or JHSC cochair/member she builds relationships and is a strong advocate.
She is passionate about the impact of politics on a personal level, worker’s rights and disability and identity issues.
A UFCW 1518 member for over 30 years, Connie Buckner is deeply committed to the union cause. Connie has served the members of UFCW 1518 as a temporary servicing representative, Bargaining Committee member, and shop steward.
She has served as a member, and Vice President of 1518’s Executive Board, where she has been a tireless advocate for Healthcare Sector members and the communities they support.
Bio coming soon!
Angela Crosato is a dedicated UFCW 1518 member, and shop steward for over 20 years. She recently advocated for colleagues in the 2023 Sobeys bargaining negotiations.
Angela is a staunch advocate for workers’ rights, the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and her fellow coworkers, and is passionate about cinema, travel, music, and supporting her colleagues.
Teresa-Lyne Dziedzic, has been a pharmacy assistant at Safeway for the last 25 years. Her years of service as a UFCW 1518 member are marked by a passion for educating members about their rights.
Teresa-Lyne brings her passion for empowering workers to the Executive Board, and she looks forward to supporting the next generation of UFCW 1518 workplace leaders.
As a member for 24+ years, Jaime Emerson is a committed advocate for workers, having served on multiple bargaining committees, as shop steward, and Health & Safety Representative. A mother to three boys, one whom is a young adult with disabilities, Jaime is very passionate about addressing inequalities that limit a person’s ability to access opportunities to achieve better health, education, and economic opportunity in the workplace.
Jaime is dedicated to empowering workers and will continue to advocate and engage all UFCW 1518 Members during her term.
Virgil Encarnacion has been a member of UFCW 1518 for 18 years, passionately serving workers across BC as a shop steward, Co-Chair of the Health and Safety Committee, Bargaining Committee member, and Executive Board member.
Virgil is dedicated to empowering workers, protecting their rights and ensuring hard-fought agreements are respected.
Marylou Fonda as been a UFCW 1518 member for 20 years. In that time, she has been involved with political action and union organizing, and recently fought for a fair contract at the Save-On-Foods bargaining table.
Marylou also serves on the Indigenous committee and as a shop steward in her workplace.
Dedicated to the fight for fairness, Marylou is a committed advocate who speaks up for workers’ rights across North America.
Nanette Fredericks is a dedicated advocate who has served UFCW 1518 members for numerous terms as member and Recorder on the Union’s Executive Board.
As shop steward, Bargaining Committee member and Co-Chair of the Health and Safety Committee, Nanette has fought for the safety, respect, and dignity of workers across BC.
Outside of her union advocacy, Nanette also enjoys gardening, camping and travelling.
Bio coming soon!
Kathleen Guerin has been an active UFCW 1518 member for over 16 years and has represented her unit as a shop steward since 2014.
Joining the Executive Board for a second term, Kathleen is passionate about empowering members, and supporting them wherever possible.
She looks forward to continuing as an advocate and fighting for fairness.
Christine Holowka, a dedicated 35-year member of UFCW 1518, joined the Executive Board in 2012.
She is a passionate advocate for education and awareness on indigenous issues, having served on the Provincial Indigenous Committee, National Indigenous Sub-Committee, and Human Rights Equity and Diversity National Committee.
Christine is committed to engaging with members and empowering them to use their voices to champion workers’ and human rights.
Erica Jones joins the Executive Board after serving as shop steward for over 8 years. Erica is passionate about bringing their lived experience as a queer, neurodivergent person to the Board.
A champion of the labour movement’s root values of economic and social justice, Erica is dedicated to providing educational opportunities to members and empowering their collective voice.
Anita Letendre, a UFCW 1518 shop steward for 35+ years and current Executive Board Member, fearlessly advocates for members.
Dedicated to Indigenous issues, she dismantles barriers, educates, and defends those who are exploited.
She looks forward to serving UFCW 1518 members, while empowering and advocating for workers across BC and the Yukon.
A seasoned advocate, Rajiv Mehra has been a UFCW 1518 member for 17 years, serving as an Executive Board member, and Chief Steward in his unit. Rajiv is passionate about building equality, solidarity and fairness among members.
Committed to workers’ rights, he looks forward to empowering and supporting members, while organizing workers to secure the respect and fairness they deserve.
Armin Reyes a breadth of experience to the Board of Directors. A UFCW 1518 member for 41 years, Armin has worked across different units, serving in roles including SCOP Coordinator and steward.
Presently, Armin serves on the Safeway Reline Crew and as Vice President of the Safeway Employees Association. Cultivating robust connections with UFCW members in both work and volunteer settings, Armin looks forward to fighting for fairness on their behalf.
Dennis is a 35-year Safeway veteran. He brings a diverse list of experiences. He has served as shop steward, Health and Safety Co-chair and Training Mentor. Dennis brings a passion for coaching and mentoring.
As a committed community member and volunteer coach outside of his workplace, Dennis looks forward to bringing his passion for mentoring and supporting others to UFCW 1518.
Joel Simmons is a dedicated union advocate, writer, and community member who has been a UFCW 1518 member for 8 years. Serving as shop steward and representing Save-On-Foods members recently at the bargaining table, Joel is committed to fighting for workers’ rights.
Joel hopes to support UFCW members and advocate for progressive issues like the four-day work week.
Preparing to serve UFCW 1518 members for her 5th term on the Executive Board, Eleanor is a longtime union activist.
Becoming shop steward shortly after her unit organized, Eleanor has spent the last 36 years fighting for respect on behalf of Community Health members as a bargaining committee and vocal advocate.
Eleanor is passionate about educating members and ensuring they are respected for the vital work they do in their communities.
Jennifer Vecchio is a dedicated union advocate who has served on UFCW 1518’s Executive Board for over 25 years.
As Community Health Worker with 39 years’ experience in Nelson British Columbia, she brings a wealth of experience to the board, tirelessly advocating for UFCW’s Healthcare Sector membership and championing critical issues, including addressing violence against women.
Marlene White brings dedication and passion to the UFCW 1518 Executive Board, mirroring the commitment to service she shows in her workplace.
A defender of worker’s rights, Marlene actively advocates for workers while empowering them to advocate for themselves as well. She fights to ensure hard-fought contracts are honored and workers respected.
Marlene is excited for the future of UFCW 1518 and looks forward to engaging with members over her term.
Community Healthcare advocate Linda Wilson has served UFCW members as a shop steward, OHS member, and Executive Board member since 2017.
A fierce advocate for workers, with a particular focus on health and safety, Linda has fought for workers on two bargaining committees, securing significant gains for UFCW’s healthcare members.
Linda looks forward to continuing to support members and grow worker power across the country.
David Gutierrez, a UFCW 1518 member for over 16 years, has brought passion and experience to the Executive Board since 2017.
His involvement spans roles on UFCW’s National Legislative and Political Action Committee and the Executive Council to the BC Fed., alongside contributions to his workplace and community. David is passionate about cultivating new leaders and empowering them to fight for respect and appreciation in their workplaces.
He considers it an honour and privilege to serve UFCW’s members for another term, and he is optimistic for the collective achievements which lie ahead.
some of the workplaces we represent
