Kim Novak joins Community Savings Credit Union’s Board of Directors
October 21, 2020 - Surrey, BC / Traditional territories of the Semiahmoo First Nation, Katzie and Kwantlen First Nation
Community Savings Credit Union is pleased to announce Kim Novak as a new elected member of its Board of Directors. The first female President in UFCW 1518’s 120-year history, Kim represents over 25,000 workers spanning the community health, retail, hospitality, industrial and professional sectors.
A champion for social justice, Kim is particularly passionate about advocating for gender equity. During her 14-year career at UFCW 1518, Kim has notably negotiated the first paid domestic violence leave in a UFCW retail contract in North America and spearheaded improvements in collective agreements to ensure that women are no longer penalized for taking time off work for childbirth and child-rearing.
Community Savings Credit Union is British Columbia’s largest fully unionized credit union, and remains committed to financially empowering working communities across British Columbia. As a new member of the Board of Directors at Community Savings, Kim will work to ensure the credit union continues to prioritize initiatives that improve financial accessibility and inclusivity, creating stronger and more resilient communities.
Mike Schilling, President and CEO of Community Savings, commented: “At Community Savings Credit Union, our mission is to financially empower everyone and provide them with the tools they need to make sound financial decisions
“Kim’s background as the President of BC’s largest private sector union uniquely positions her to advise and consult Community Savings on how best it can affect real change within the communities in which it operates. I’m looking forward to gaining her insight and knowledge to create tailored financial products and services for the people who need our support the most.”
Kim Novak, President of UFCW 1518, said: “As BC’s largest fully unionized credit union, Community Savings is already a strong supporter and advocate for workers rights. But, there is always more we can do to support and financially empower our working communities. I’m looking forward to working with Community Savings as we continue to fight for fairness and equitable opportunities for all workers across the province.”
About Community Savings Credit Union
Community Savings Credit Union is committed to financially empowering its members and BC’s communities by providing best-in-class personal and business banking while supporting economic inclusivity. A fully unionized credit union – and the largest provider of banking services in BC to labour unions – Community Savings also has a strong history of advocating for the labour movement to create a better BC for all.
Member owned and operated, Community Savings invests in BC communities by supporting local charities and non-profit organizations that help create stronger and more vibrant communities. Community Savings is a designated Living Wage Employer and an active partner of the Union Protein Project.
About UFCW 1518
The United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1518 is British Columbia’s largest private-sector union with more than 24,000 members in British Columbia and the Yukon. UFCW 1518 has offices located in New Westminster, Kelowna and Victoria and represents workers in Retail, Food Processing, Healthcare and Professional Services. Our union represents workers at Save-On-Foods, Safeway, Mountain Equipment Co-op, Point Blank Creative, Cartems Donuts and Clarity Cannabis, to name just a few.
