2009 Dove Award presented to Liberty Pestano
EDMONTON – Liberty Pestano, Chair AUPE Local 049, Chapter 002, was presented the 2009 DOVE Award at the union’s Women’s Conference in Edmonton Friday evening.
Pestano is a Nursing Attendant at Capital Care’s Grandview Extended Care Centre worksite, where she is responsible for organizing the Nursing Attendants and bringing them to AUPE. Pestano has been involved in numerous other AUPE organizing drives.
Pestano has also served for several years as the Provincial Executive Representative for Local 049 and as a member of her local bargaining committee for many rounds of negotiations.
The DOVE award recognizes outstanding effort and service by female members of AUPE. DOVE stands for “Day of Validation and Equity.”
“Liberty goes out of her way to serve the members both through social gatherings, and more importantly, as a Level 3 Steward,” said Membership Services Officer Maria Marrazzo.
Marrazzo also highlighted Pestano’s great ability to keep members in her Local mobilized and dedicated to union tasks. “When Liberty calls a meeting, the members come running,” said Marrazzo. “If she organizes a picket, her members are anxious to attend. She always makes it into a party where no one goes home hungry.”
Pestano has been recognized for her willingness to come to the assistance of any member at a worksite where no steward is available, and has been described as “the glue that holds members together” at the Grandview Extended Care Centre.
“When the word union is used, everyone looks to Liberty. She is indeed a worthy recipient of the DOVE award,” Marrazzo said.