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For Christina Ashe (centre), a Unifor member with Local 4606, activism is in her blood. Her uncle Senator Calvin Ruck was a pioneering anti-racism activist in Nova Scotia that taught her the importance of change.
For the past 26 years, Christina has worked at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, N.S. She currently works in the Medical Device Reclaiming department and is a shop steward representing members at the Health Centre.
As Co-chair of the Atlantic Regional AWOC standing committee Christina is a committed activist and understands that being socially and politically engaged means being part of a larger collective of voices. When important labour or social justice rallies are held, it is often Christina who takes the lead to organize Unifor members from the area to attend and support. Her commitment and involvement within Local 4606 has been extensive; she has served in almost every executive capacity including Trustee, Sergeant-at-Arms and Vice President.
As an ally of Nova Scotia’s Indigenous community, Christina has participated in numerous rallies advocating for equity and fair of treatment of Aboriginal women and girls. Always one to support her union family, Christina has walked many picket lines in solidarity with striking Unifor members and even in support of other unionized workers on their picket lines.
To describe her activism, Christina said this, “I’ve always known that it is important for our union to be involved and visible in all our communities, I’ve tried to make that happen whenever possible.”
Her message to all members is to find the time to get involved and know that we can make a difference. History has proven that. Never take for granted what we have, because somebody at some point had to fight for us to have it.
It is that sense of passion for activism that Christina brings and shares with her Local. Her uncle Calvin would be proud.
For information on the activism of Calvin Ruck in Nova Scotia: http://www.blackincanada.com/2011/04/12/calvin-ruck/ (please note this is an English only site)
Week 1: Shereta Bowers (local 1106) Kitchener, ON
Week 2: Two B.C. activists explain change through political action
