Sid Clack was an unassuming man, with a kind face and a quiet demeanor. He had been working as a station attendant for the IAMAW2323 union for as long as anyone could remember, and he was well-respected by his colleagues and the passengers he served.
On a cold and snowy day in 1994, Doug Currie, the union president, called Sid into the Mod M baggage room for a special presentation. When Sid arrived, he was surprised to see that the room was full of his co-workers with Doug.
“Sid, we wanted to recognize your 40 years of service with the Iamaw union and Air Canada,” Doug said, as he handed Sid a small pin with the union’s logo on it. “No one in attendance can recall ever seeing anyone receive their 40 year pin from the union. This is quite an accomplishment, and we are all very proud of you.”
Sid was overwhelmed with emotion as he accepted the pin. He had started working for the union on March 13, 1953, the same year that the Korean War ended, Dwight D. Eisenhower was inaugurated as the President of the United States, and Queen Elizabeth II was crowned queen of England. It had been a tumultuous time, and Sid had persevered through it all.
Now, presently there are employees who had exceeded Sid’s milestone, but he remained an inspiration to them all. He had dedicated his life to the union and company, and it had been a labor of love. As he left the Mod M baggage room, Sid couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. It had been a long journey, but it had been worth it. The end.
