Posted by Sudbury Northern Life
Rick Grylls, president of Local 598/CAW Sudbury Mine, Mill & Smelter Workers is making way for a new president of the union.
Grylls is stepping down to take advantage of the Xstrata Nickel retirement offer made recently to help avert any possible layoffs of workers.
Dwight Harper, currently vice-president of the union, will assume duties as president on Feb. 1.
Harper has been an elected full time health and safety representative at Xstrata Nickel for the last eight years and an executive board member for six years.
Grylls has over 36 years with the company and served as president of the union for the last eight years. He was vice-president and strike co-ordinator for the seven month strike from August 2000 to February 2001.
He assumed the presidency when Rolly Gauthier retired in March 2001. Grylls was elected for three terms before deciding to retire.
Growing the and diversifying the union membership has been the passion of Grylls. The local expanded from four to 16 units diversifying into the service sector.
Grylls intends to be active with the retirees chapter of the union and has joined the Sudbury and District Chapter of Ontario Autism to help fundraise and bring awareness to those who live with autism.
