"The jump wasn't that big. It was really only a baby step."
- Rob Snyder
Looking back, Rob says he never stopped learning during all his working years. The union courses were a positive learning experience. They gave him an opportunity to learn about unions and their work in the company of people who had different educational backgrounds. Rob served on several committees as a union representative over the years: the Transit-Advisory Uniform Committee, the Health and Safety Committee, and the Social Committee. He served as a chief steward, steward, unit rep, and union hall cleaner. He transferred learning from one position and one committee to another. It all added up to an active career in representing people and advocating for fair policies.
Knowing he would have to put all his time and energy into study, Rob resigned from committee work when he started his Grade 12 program. But, no one was going to let that last too long. He is now serving as Secretary- Treasurer for the Social Committee and as a member of CAMA's Learners' Council.
Rob's success in getting his high school diploma was a turning point in how he viewed himself, his future, and his career. With new confidence, he is "ready to speak up" and tackle the demands of any new situation. As a member of the Learners' Council, he has already encouraged people who are interested in returning to school. One co-worker is close to getting his diploma and another has just enrolled. Rob also wants to help more people get access to union education programs. Both the Human Resources Department and CUPE Local 109 will make good use of Rob's advocacy and support. He is looking forward to representing the Learners' Council by speaking to people about the value of education, getting more people involved in JEED activities, and helping the City be an active player in workplace learning.
The future could hold many different possibilities for Rob. He's "ready for a change of pace, a job that might be more physical, something different." He is now qualified to apply for municipal jobs that would have been closed to him in the past.
On the home front, he has been building a hunting cabin with his children over the last year. "I've had that property for 30 years and now we're doing something with it." In fact, thanks to his education program, Rob succeeded in getting his hunting license again, after it had expired. There will be plenty of family activity in that cabin. Rob and his wife are taking care of an almost two-year-old niece for awhile and he also hopes to spend time with his two grandchildren. "I missed most of my kids' growing up because of work and I don't want to miss these years with my grand kids."
When retirement comes along, Rob sees himself staying active in learning and in helping others. He says he'll get involved with the retired municipal employees and try to help out at the Seniors' Council. Long before that is a special trip to Ireland. Enjoy the Emerald Isle!