Labour Appreciation Night

2025 Recipient | Maureen Curtis

Maureen retired from United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex County (UWWEC) after 26 years as the Manager of Labour Programs and Services. Before joining United Way, she spent more than two decades in the manufacturing sector at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, where she held several union leadership roles, including Plant Chairperson, working with the Adjustment Committee to help members transition to new jobs or training programs following the plant’s closure.

Throughout her United Way career, Maureen worked tirelessly to strengthen the partnership between labour and community, co-developing initiatives such as the Workers Referral Assistance Program (WRAP) and advancing the Labour Community Advocate Training Program (LCAT). She was also instrumental in establishing the Retiree Volunteer Council (RVC) in 2010 — a first-of-its-kind model that has since been adopted by United Ways across Canada — and introduced Tampon Tuesday (now Period Promise) to Windsor-Essex to help combat period poverty and promote menstrual equity.

Today, Maureen continues to exemplify her lifelong commitment to community through volunteerism. She serves as Chair of the Solidarity Tower’s Neighbours Helping Neighbours Committee and remains an active member of the Retiree Volunteer Council.

Maureen’s legacy is one of leadership, empathy, and empowerment — a reminder that the spirit of activism and solidarity endures long after retirement and continues to inspire generations to come.

James Stewart is recognized across Canada as a bold and principled voice for working people. Starting his union journey on the floor of Chrysler’s Windsor Assembly Plant in 1993, he was first elected as a representative in 2002. Today, he serves as President of Unifor Local 444 — one of the country’s most respected and influential locals, representing over 10,000 active members and another 10,000 retirees.

A skilled negotiator, James has proven himself a principled and unshakable leader, known for cutting through the noise and standing firm for members. As Chair of Stellantis Master Bargaining and Vice-Chair of the Unifor Auto Council, he has been at the centre of pivotal negotiations in the auto sector and beyond, including gaming, hospitality, and health care that have safeguarded and advanced the rights of workers.

Beyond the bargaining table, James is a tireless community advocate. Through deep partnerships with United Way and local organizations, he works to build a more inclusive Windsor-Essex — championing women’s rights, equity, mental health, and support for vulnerable families.

A second-generation activist, following in the footsteps of his father, a proud Chrysler steward, James embodies the Local 444 tradition of courage, solidarity, and service. And while his public role carries enormous weight, his proudest title remains dad to his twin daughters, Kenzie and Kaylee — the inspiration behind his vision for a stronger, more inclusive future.

In his keynote address, James will reflect on the work of Charles E. Brooks Labour Community Service Award recipient, Sue McKinnon, and her advocacy against gender-based violence. He will also speak to the urgent challenges facing Canadian jobs — including tariffs and global pressures — while emphasizing the continued importance of labour unions as the last line of defence for working people. Above all, James will highlight the vital role of unions in not only defending rights, but actively shaping the kind of inclusive, just, and resilient communities where everyone can thrive.

This year’s Labour Appreciation Night proudly marks a milestone in our shared labour history — the 15th anniversary of the Retiree Volunteer Council (RVC).

Established in 2010 by United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex County, the RVC was created to help newly retired union members stay connected, active, and engaged in community life. What began as a response to a social disconnect many retirees experienced, has since grown into a vibrant council of retiree and pre-retiree leaders who continue to live their union values with the same passion and solidarity that defined their working years.

The RVC provides meaningful volunteer opportunities, fosters social inclusion, and supports vital community programs — including United Way’s On Track to Success, helping youth overcome barriers to education and break the cycle of poverty. For 15 years, the RVC has demonstrated that the power of solidarity doesn’t end with retirement—it evolves.  Their legacy is a powerful reminder: when we stay united, we can make lasting change at every stage of life.