Find Your Rep

Derik J. McArthur

Canadian Director & President      derikmcarthur@rwdsu.ca

My name is Derik J. McArthur and I am the President of the Northern Joint Council of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, as well as the Canadian Director of the R.W.D.S.U.  I also hold the positions of International Vice-President of the R.W.D.S.U and International Vice-President of the U.F.C.W. I graduated from Confederation College in Thunder Bay with a diploma in Human Resources and Human Resources Management. Prior to attending college, I joined the 2nd Battalion The Irish Regiment of Canada as an infantry soldier. I dedicated 5 years of unrestricted service before making the decision to attend college. I proudly continue to serve with the Regiment today. Upon graduation, I joined the RWDSU family as a full-time organizer. After a few years in that position, I was then transferred to servicing. During this period, I was assigned various groups within the Province of Ontario. My duties included general grievance administration, organizing, and collective bargaining. Other special duties included assisting with strikes in British Columbia and the State of Alabama for locals that required extra support. It has been a privilege working for the members of the RWDSU and I look forward to continuing the advancement of workers' rights with the RWDSU for many years to come.

Jeffrey J. Barry

Secretary-Treasurer      jeffbarry@rwdsu.ca

My name is Jeffrey J. Barry. I am the Secretary-Treasurer of the Northern Joint Council of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union as well as President of Local 715. I graduated from Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie with a license for “Truck, Coach, and Automotive Mechanic.” In 1993, I was involved in organizing my work place, Trimac Transportation Services, into the RWDSU. Also in 1993,I was elected “Chief Steward” by my fellow workers at Trimac Transportation Services, Local 715. In 2001, I was hired by the Northern Joint Council to promote the union by driving and maintaining the union’s show truck. In 2004, I was hired as a full-time business representative/organizer and elected Vice-President of Local 715. On September 26, 2005, I was elected President of Local 715 and on April 27, 2006, I was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Northern Joint Council. I look forward to working for the members of the RWDSU for many years to come.

Jeff Black

Sudbury & Elliot Lake      jeffblack@rwdsu.ca

I am a native to Sudbury and have been involved in many organizations. After graduation from St. Charles College, I went on to graduate from the Toronto School of Business in Police Foundations. I became a member of the Canadian Armed Forces to pursue a career with the military police. In 2004, I was working for Cambrian Protection, who was at the time unionized with the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. I was responsible for the health and safety of my fellow employees when I was given an opportunity to join the RWDSU team to represent all security guards in the province and also work in the organizing department. I also took accredited courses from the University of Ottawa in labour studies. I am now a Business Representative and Secretary-Treasurer of Local 579 and look forward to many years as part of the RWDSU family.

Rob Cullen

Blind River, Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding area      robcullen@rwdsu.ca

Rob Cullen is the member representative for Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding area (Local 582). He also represents a portion of members from Local 715 in Sudbury. These members are employed in various businesses such as hotels, grocery stores, transportation, bakeries and work wear suppliers. Rob was born and raised in Lively, Ontario, attended St. Charles College and subsequently, Cambrian College. Rob comes from a family of firm believers and benefactors of the union movement. Entering the work force at age 15, Rob brings with him 27 years of experience in the grocery industry to the RWDSU–having been a RWDSU member for 24 of those years. He previously served as a shop steward for 16 years, a certified health and safety representative, and bargaining committee member. Rob continues to work to advance the union movement and to promote the extensive advantages of being a part of the RWDSU. “I believe I have the duty to provide ongoing support and education as well as the ability to convey to future members, the benefits of being a part of the RWDSU from my personal experience.”

Shannon Fleury

Cornwall, Muskokas, Petawawa      shannonfleury@rwdsu.ca

Hi, my name is Shannon Fleury. I am a native of Timmins, Ontario. I have recently completed my Bachelor of Arts with honours in the Labour and Trade Unions Studies and Political Science programs. Through my studies with the Labour Studies program I had the opportunity to complete a placement with RWDSU. Upon completing my placement I was offered a 16 week internship with the union. During my placement and internship I was able to complete and implement a leadership program which dealt with: how to become an effective leader, how to run a meeting and cultural differences, etc... Upon completion of my internship I joined the RWDSU team as a union representative. As a union representative I am pleased and excited to spend many years fighting for workers rights.

Matthew Belanger

Cochrane, Timmins, New Liskeard and surrounding area      matthewbelanger@rwdsu.ca

Sandra Rogerson

Sturgeon Falls, North Bay, Manitoulin and surrounding area      sandrarogerson@rwdsu.ca

My name is Sandra Rogerson. I am a native of Sudbury, Ontario, and have been part of the labour movement in several different aspects. I graduated from Collège Notre-Dame in 1991 and went on to study at Laurentian University. I have recently attended Queen’s University and have received my “Negotiations Skills Training Certificate” and I am currently working towards my Labour Relations Diploma. I am fluent in English, French, and Italian. I have received my diploma in organizing training from the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute in 2003. I had the opportunity to assist in the organizing and first-contract bargaining of the Elizabeth Center in Val Caron in 2002, and was also elected their president. I was a union representative during the 2010 federal elections and was appointed to the position of vice-president of Local 148 Pioneer Manor in 2009. In addition, I have had the privilege of being trained as a union member facilitator.  I grew up with my father being the business agent for the Bricklayers’ Union here in Sudbury for many years, where he often spoke of unity, solidarity, equality, wages, and pensions. I knew I wanted to represent members for all these very important reasons and to be an ally for equality within the labour movement. I am honoured to be joining the RWDSU team as a union representative and I look forward to fighting for our members’ rights in the workplace!