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National Union mourns loss of inspiring Manitoba trade unionist

Activists from across Canada are grieving the passing of Manitoba labour activist Kathleen Ducharme.

Winnipeg (23 Jan. 2012) – National Union members from across Canada were deeply saddened by the news of the death of long-time Manitoba activist Kathleen Ducharme.

"NUPGE members from across Canada mourn the death of Kathy Ducharme," said James Clancy, President of the 340,000 member National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).

“Kathy was a strong trade unionist who was always at the front lines in defending and promoting her members and their work."

Kathy developed an interest in helping others at an early age while working as a nurse’s aid at St. Anthony’s Hospital in The Pas, Manitoba. After working for the provincial government she moved to working for the University College of the North where generations of students fondly remember her guidance and support.

Kathy was deeply committed to ‘making her mark’ and was active with the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE) for more than 28 years.

Throughout her career, she held many union positions including Local President, Area Director, Health and Safety Representative, and committee member on most of the union’s standing committees. Kathy was one of the longest-serving members on the MGEU’s Board of Directors and she will be remembered as a tireless advocate treating everyone and every issue with the same respect and diligence.

Her tenacity, dedication and infectious laughter will be missed by all of her friends at the MGEU.

She worked tirelessly to defend her members, support her colleagues and defend the rights of students at the College.

All who knew Kathy are saddened by this news. The National Union extends its condolences to her family, friends and all who were touched by her dedication.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE