Send an e-mail to Heather Grant-JuryHeather Grant-Jury became Education and Training Director at UFCW Local 832 in June, 2004. Prior to joining the Training Centre, she was president of the Winnipeg Labour Council for many years.
While still in her teens, Heather began working at the Oakview Place Nursing Home as a dietary aide while she decided what career path awaited her. The employer decided her fate for her, turning her very quickly into a trade union activist. At her first union meeting, she was elected shop steward and recording secretary of CUPE 1475 Local and her interest in unions began.
"I never in a million years saw my interest as a career choice," Heather says. "I simply saw it as a way to help brothers and sisters in my union. I began to educate myself, attending every possible course I was able to, and after one year of involvement was chosen to attend the two month residential program at the Labour College in Ottawa.
"Upon its completion, I knew my life had changed forever. I believed passionately in the labour movement and also began to be interested in the political processes in this country and the New Democratic Party."
Upon Heather's return to Winnipeg after Labour College, the position of president of the Winnipeg Labour Council opened up. A few of her colleagues spoke to her about running.
"My attitude was anyone but me, After some arm twisting and reflection I entered my name and in 1985 was elected. At the time, the significance of being the youngest person and first woman elected to this position didn't register. Now, however, after being there for 18 years, I truly appreciate and value the experience.
"I have always been a firm believer in education and the role we play in our members' life-long learning path. The opportunity to become director of the best union-based Education Centre is probably a life long dream that only arrives once.
"My passion is solid trade union principles and educating the next generation of trade unionists to carry on the struggle. I share this passion with the political arena and the need for us to be active to make change, work with other like minded organizations, and care about those less fortunate than ourselves. When further time permits my final passion is the United Way and the investment we can make to ensure our communities are better places for us and our children.
Heather says she knows that the Centre has a incredibly dedicated and committed staff. She believes the previous director left the centre in a good position to continue to respond to the needs and desires of Local 832 members.
In addition to being president of the Winnipeg Labour Council, Heather's many past achievements include being an Executive Council member of the Manitoba Federation of Labour, and First Labour Chair on the United Way of Canada Board of Directors. She has served on various civic and provincial boards, including currently being the labour representative on the Manitoba workplace literacy committee.
Heather is a certified union referral counselor and an experienced trainer of shop stewards and union leaders. She has established a reputation as a defender of workers' rights and is a strong advocate of labour issues.
