ILA Local 273 Commemorates 150th Anniversary

by Trudy Kelly Forsythe
Saint John Times Globe

As one of the initiatives of its 150th anniversary, the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) Local 273 is making honorary members of a number of people including active members of the local, pensioners, and surviving spouses of longshoremen.

It also includes three special people, who have been chosen because of their long service to the local and the labour movement. They are Robert Breen, Wendy McGee and Elizabeth Weir.

Robert Breen was admitted to the bar in 1976 and has been active as general counsel in labour and employment matters for the local since then. He is a partner in the firm Pink, Breen, Larkin. His labour experience includes serving on the Council of Maritime Premiers Labour Relations Board and New Brunswick Public Service Labour Relations Board.

Wendy McGee has a long association with the local through work and union involvement. She advocated on behalf of the waterfront locals with regard to the Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance Act and the Workplace Health, Safety & Compensation Act. She is currently executive director of Saint John Labour Community Services, Inc., a United Way agency.

Elizabeth Weir, MLA, Saint John Harbour is the first woman chosen leader of a political party in New Brunswick, the first woman leader elected to the Legislative Assembly and the first elected woman leader of the New Democratic Party. She has been selected as an honorary member of ILA Local 273 because of her dedication to working for the people.

All honorary members will receive a plaque indicating their honorary status and commemorating the local's 150th anniversary.