United Way honours labour community leader

The 2009 Joe Morris Labour Community Service Award was presented by United Way of the Lower Mainland to Bill Gaucher.

Officially accepting the award on Bill’s behalf, were CAW Local Executive members, Barbie Zipp and Jayne Pedersen. Lydia Drasic, Chair of United Way of the Lower Mainland’s Board of Directors, presented the Joe Morris Labour Community Service Award.

The United Way of the Lower Mainland award bears the name of Joe Morris, a former president of the Canadian Labour Congress. The award commemorates Joe Morris’ support of the unique partnership shared by Labour and United Way by honouring an individual that has followed in Joe’s footsteps. The recipient is chosen for his or her dedication and service in representing both organizations to better the lives of all Canadians in our communities.

In 1980, Bill signed his first union card with the Canadian Brotherhood of Railway, Transport and General Workers. This one act, plus his own curiosity to better understand the union movement, launched his Labour career.

Bill was first elected as the Local’s Secretary Treasurer in 1981 and with the exception of a six month period in 1983, he’s held that position for the past 27 years. Bill is responsible for the day-to-day finances and manages the income and expenditures on behalf of 5,000 union members.

Bill Gaucher played an active role in the union’s historic merger with the Canadian Auto Workers Union in 1994. He was a member of the Special Convention that voted on the merger that led to the renaming of the local as it is known today, CAW Local 114.

Bill’s passion for the Labour movement is mirrored in his passion for community service. He has served his community as a volunteer for more than 26 years. As a member of his union, he has helped raise funds for Variety, the Children’s Charity and Protein for People. As a union member, and together with his family, he has also raised funds and supported the Food Bank.

But his most rewarding community experiences have come as a result of his involvement with United Way. For more than 19 years, Bill has supported the annual United Way of the Lower Mainland campaign. He has helped raise funds, served as a member of the United Way of the Lower Mainland Campaign Labour Committee, as a representative of CAW Local 114, and has participated in Labour’s Day of Caring projects.

Bill has even taken his commitment to United Way back to his local. Bill introduced a motion that would have the Local match each staff member’s donation to United Way up to a maximum of two days wages. In November of last year he was successful in changing the Local By-Laws to reflect this annual donation ensuring the Local would continue to fund United Way annually for years to come.

At the 2006 Scotiabank and United Way Community Spirit awards, thanks in large part to Bill’s leadership, CAW Local 114 was honoured with United Way’s Exceptional Service Award recognizing the union for going that extra mile to provide exceptional service and support for our community.

Bill’s the one you can always count on to be there at the crack of dawn to get the bacon started for the annual pancake breakfast that kicks off the building’s United Way campaign. Through his example and encouragement, the Local has had 100% involvement in the United Way for over 20 years.