Flags at the Union Centre fly at half mast today, in honour of our beloved sister, Lee Edwards, who passed away yesterday afternoon.

Our co-worker and dear friend was a fierce supporter of the labour movement for decades, a wonderful ally and force to be reckoned with — and we are devastated by this loss.

Lee started her career at MGEU as a Staff Representative in 2009. Among her many roles, she was the Staff Negotiator on the GOLICO (Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries) Bargaining Committee and was also the staff liaison to the MGEU Women’s Committee. Her passion and strength had a profound impact on both of these groups.

As the current President of the MGEU staff Union, Association of Commercial and Technical Employees (ACTE) Local 1725, Lee’s commitment to helping the members and creating a positive relationship with management was unwavering.

Prior to working with the MGEU, Lee was an International Staff Representative with the United Steelworkers. Lee rose through the ranks as a Steelworker member and activist, and she held various Local union positions, including being the Chair of the USW District 3 Women’s Committee for several terms. As a USW Staff Representative, Lee oversaw the District 3 Women’s committee, and was assigned to both the National Women’s Committee, and the International Women’s Advisory Committee.

Lee’s abilities and commitment were integral to many special projects throughout her career, including several MGEU Women’s Conferences, a Respectful Workplace Program, training initiatives - for both union activists and management, media campaigns, and establishing the Saskatchewan Potash Council which brought workers from both unionized and non-unionized operations together to form one voice to work with their employers and the government.

Everyone at the MGEU would like to offer their sincere condolences to Lee’s family. Her time with us was far too short. We will miss her wonderful smile and laughter, her strength of conviction, and her commitment to her own Union and the MGEU.

Lee, we were honoured to be part of your life and are better for it – from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.