Pat Riley is recognized by the New Brunswick Federation of Labour (NBFL), in collaboration with Argus Audiology, as the First Recipient of the Owen MacLennan Trade Unionist of the Year Award. Argus Audiology donated $1,000, in the name of Pat Riley, to the NBFL Blair Doucet Youth Summer Camp.
“I am proud to be able to recognize Brother Riley’s leadership and many contributions to labour movement in Saint John, New Brunswick and on a national and international scale,” says Daniel Legere, President of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour. “Brother Riley exemplifies the spirit of this award. Someone passionate about breaking down barriers, mobilizing members around common objectives and furthering diversity and inclusion and promoting social justice.”
Pat Riley has decades of experience in the labour movement and as a community activist. Some of his involvement includes being the longstanding Business Agent and Secretary-Treasurer of his union local 273 of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). He is also the Co-Chair of the Hatheway Trust, Labour Exhibit Centre and Lily lake Pavillion. He has served, in the past, in various capacities, such as President of the Canadian Maritime Workers Council, Zone Coordinator for the International Dockworkers Council, area Vice-President for the NBFL, Chair of the Saint John Community Foundation, Board member with the United Way of Greater Saint John. He is also currently involved with a human rights complaint which aims to protect the rights of visually impaired transit riders in Saint John.
“I attribute our success today to the strong work ethic that I learned from my Dad, believing that there is no task ever beneath me and that a hard day’s work is normal,” says Norma Eaton, Co-owner of Argus Audiology and daughter of Owen MacLennan. “Argus Audiology is so proud that the first recipient of this award is a trade union icon who’s name is synonymous with the Port of Saint John,” comments Bill Eaton, co-owner and son-in-law.
Argus Audiology collaborated with the NBFL to create the annual Owen MacLennan Trade Unionist of the Year Award. It recognizes individual trade unionists who have made a significant and/or ongoing contribution to the labour movement. This award is created in the loving memory of Owen MacLennan who worked at Eastern Bakeries from 1951 to 1994. He had a strong work ethic and was an active member of the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco and Grain Millers Union (BCTGM) local 406 in Moncton. Brother MacLennan passed away in 2010.
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In the photo from left to right: Bill Eaton, Pat Riley, Norma Eaton, Heidi Eaton
For more information, please contact:
Daniel Legere President, NBFL at 506-857-2125 (w) / 506-381-8969 (c)
Bill Eaton Co-owner Argus Audiology at 506-588-0995 (c)