Trail-blazing B.C. union leader was `a bright light' for workers: Eby
Kim Novak, who was the youngest and first female president of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1518, died over the weekend with family at her side.
UFCW Local 1518 secretary Patrick Johnson said Novak had been an integral part of the union for many years.
“President Kimberly Novak led a remarkable life that made a positive difference in the lives of countless people,” Johnson said.
Novak, who was 38, had suffered a brain hemorrhage last week, UFCW Local 1518 confirmed. Novak held various leadership roles in Local 1518, including union representative, director and secretary-treasurer. She also served as vice-president of UFCW International and on the UFCW Canada National Council.
“When Kim was unanimously elected president of UFCW 1518 (in January 2019), she made history as the first woman and youngest leader of our union,” Johnson said.
“Kim dedicated her entire career to the fight for dignity and respect for all workers, leading the way not only for our union, but the wider labour movement.”
UFCW represents workers at Safeway, Save-on-Foods and several other grocery stores and businesses.
B.C. Premier David Eby said in a statement that Novak's death was profoundly sad.
“Kim was a bright light advocating for workers throughout B.C.,” Eby said. “I send my heartfelt condolences to Kim's family, her two young sons, her sisters and brothers, and all those who loved her.”
Novak graduated from UBC in 2007 and worked as a summer student for UFCW.
“Although she once considered a future in the legal profession, Kim's job as a summer student for UFCW 1518 showed her the power of organized labour to make a real difference in workers' lives,” a statement on the union's website read.
Novak was also on the board of the Community Savings Credit Union.