Serge Plourde is recognized by the New Brunswick Federation of Labour (NBFL), in collaboration with Argus Audiology, as the Second Recipient of the Owen MacLennan Trade Unionist of the Year Award. Argus Audiology donated $1,000, in the name of Serge Plourde, to the NBFL Blair Doucet Youth Summer Camp.
“I am proud to recognize Brother Plourde’s involvement in the local, provincial and national labour movement. He showed tremendous leadership as President of CUPE Local 4193 during the 24-week lockout by the Chaleur Regional Service Commission of the twenty-three workers at the Red Pine Landfill in Allardville,” says Daniel Legere, President of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour. “As a union activist, brother Plourde has been involved in the organization of union rallies, parades and activities. He also loves to show his solidarity by participating in labour activities organized throughout the province.”
Brother Plourde has been the President of his union local, CUPE 4193, for over 14 years. In this role, he showed many leadership qualities throughout the years. When the Chaleur Regional Service Commission locked out the 23 workers at the Red Pine Landfill on February 13, 2020, he stepped up and worked with his membership to maintain a picket line for the duration of the lock-out. Keeping the union members motivated and engaged was no small feat. The union faced several hardships throughout the lock-out. For example, the Covid-19 pandemic was ongoing, picketing in temperatures ranging from minus 35 to plus 35 degrees Celsius and the remoteness of the location of the picket line. The employer got a court injunction to limit the number of picketers in front of the Landfill. The union responded by finding creating ways of getting out their message.
The union reached a tentative agreement on July 28, 2020, returning to work after successfully maintaining a picket line for 24 weeks.
In addition to his leadership within his union local, Serge Plourde is also involved in the broader labour movement. His involvement includes serving on several provincial and national union committees. Brother Plourde is also a Vice-President at the Bathurst and District Labour Council (BDLC) and represents the BDLC on the New Brunswick Federation of Labour Executive Council.
“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 proud to recognize Serge Plourde’s leadership capabilities, his years of service in the labour movement and his ongoing passion for creating actions and campaigns.” 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: Bea Bruske – President of the Canadian Labour Congress, Daniel Legere – President of the NB Federation of Labour, Serge Plourde – 2021 Award Recipient, Bill Eaton – Co-owner Argus Audiology & Norma Eaton – Co-owner Argus Audiology.
For more information, please contact:
Daniel Legere
President, NBFL
506-857-2125 (w) / 506-381-8969 (c)
Bill Eaton
Co-owner Argus Audiology
506-588-0995 (c)