It is with heavy hearts that the MGEU mourns the passing of long-time member and dedicated activist, Pat Gilbertson. Pat started work as a Correctional Officer at the Headingley Gaol, as it was then known, in 1974, and was a member within the Corrections Component of the Civil Service.
He was heavily involved in safety and health issues within Corrections as early as 1977, when the Component took an important new step and walked its first picket line in protest of overcrowding and to be recognized for specialized training and pay equity between provincial and federal correctional employees.
Pat represented members of the Corrections Component on several different levels over his 38-year career. He held positions of Local President, Chief Steward, Health and Safety Rep and Treasurer within his Local. He also served as the Corrections Component Director from 2008-2012, representing Corrections members on the MGEU Board of Directors as well as the Civil Service Bargaining Committee.
Pat was a no-nonsense labour activist, and extremely committed and dedicated in all his efforts to creating a safer work environment for his fellow members.
In 2012, Pat was hired as a Staff Representative with the MGEU, where he worked for a year before retiring in 2013. In 2014, he was recognized with an MGEU Solidarity Award, for his many years of dedicated service in the union. He will be fondly remembered by all who worked with him towards a common purpose of dignity and justice for all through the service of honest work.