ATU Celebrates API Heritage Month
The ATU is celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month by recognizing rock star ATU members who have made a difference in their Locals and our Union.
Harry Lew — Local 583-Calgary, AB
A native of Saskatchewan and a proud first generation Chinese Canadian, Brother Harry Lew grew up with a strong work ethic working in his family’s restaurant at a very early age. In 1985, he moved to Calgary where he started with the Calgary Civic Cafeteria as a Red Seal Chef in 2004 joining ATU Local 583-Calgary, AB and became an Executive Board Member representing our cafeteria members. In 2006, Brother Lew took a job at Calgary Transit as a Conventional Bus Operator. A natural born leader, he became a Shop Steward and then was elected again as a member of the Local’s Executive Board in 2008. Brother Lew won consecutive elections as an Executive Board Member for Operations from 2008 until 2019 when members elected him as the Local’s Financial Secretary-Treasurer in January 2020, a position he still holds today. As Chair of the Local’s Social Committee, Brother Lew looks to get members engaged in the Local. When not doing all things ATU he referees football for the Calgary and district’s school boards. A die hard Toronto Maple Leafs fan, he also supports the Minnesota Vikings. We salute Brother Lew for his commitment and dedication to his Local and our Union.
Ramesh Nandan — Local 1724-Vancouver, BC
A proud native of the Fiji Islands, Ramesh Nandan worked very hard to provide for his family and helped his dad in the sugarcane fields. Ramesh graduated from college in 1989 and started a career as an Air Traffic Controller at the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF). After getting married in 1990 and having two children, Ramesh got an opportunity to come to Canada in 1999 in hopes of a better future for his family. In 2011, Ramesh took a job at HandyDart, joining our Local 1724-Vancouver, BC. Wanting to advocate for his fellow Union members, Brother Nandan decided to become a Shop Steward in 2015 and still serves in that role. He has been involved in Health and Safety for his Local and was elected to the Local’s Executive Board in 2021. When not working, Brother Nandan volunteers for Sangam, an organization in the Fijian community, organizing events, functions, and working in the temples. Known for his great leadership skills and values, Brother Nandan is well respected by our Local 1724 members. We salute Brother Nandan and his great work with HandyDart and our Union.
Sharon Thea Parker — Local 1576-Lynnwood, WA
As a proud Filipina, Local 1576-Lynnwood, WA, Sister Sharon Thea Parker has been a constant force for her Local at Transdev DART for the past six years. An Executive Board Officer, she wears many hats—Dispatcher, Shop Steward, contract negotiation team member, and trusted representative in grievance and disciplinary hearings. And somehow, she manages to juggle all that while still showing up with a warm smile and tray after tray of amazing Filipino food! Sister Parker is someone who steps up, even when it’s hard. Through eight general managers in just two years, she’s remained a steady, knowledgeable, and reassuring presence for our members. Whether it’s orientations for new members, contract prep, or simply making sure people feel seen and heard, Sister Parker gives of her own time. She doesn’t seek the spotlight—she just wants to make sure people are taken care of. At the bargaining table, Sister Parker never hesitates to speak up with clarity and conviction, always focused on what truly matters to the membership. We salute Sister Parker’s compassion, strength, and unwavering sense of purpose for her Local and our Union.