An Interview with Cheryl Lundvall – ATU 583 Shop Steward and Women’s Committee Member
We wanted to take an opportunity to expand on International Women’s Day, which took place March 8th, 2026, to ask some in depth questions to a few of our Sisters, to gain some insight into what being a woman who works for Calgary Transit is like, as well as their experience within ATU 583 and their advice for other women who may want to get more involved.
First up we have long-time ATU 583 Member, Cheryl Lundvall. Cheryl is a seasoned Steward and has been a member of several Local 583 committees, including both the Social and Women’s committees. She has volunteered much of her time as well, for events such as the Family Picnic, the Retiree’s Banquet, the Children’s Christmas and the Nagar Kirtan Parade. She is a wealth of experience and information and we are grateful she took the time to do this interview and to be a resource for other women in ATU 583.
When did you become an ATU 583 Member?
May 2007
What motivated you to want to become active in your union?
I genuinely find people interesting. I always loved training employees in my previous employment, which I think fits well with being a steward and doing call ins. Also, so I could hear all the information firsthand instead of listening to rumors. Going to ATU 583 Union meetings is the first step to getting involved.
Was there a specific moment that made you realize the importance of collective action/collective bargaining?
I don’t know the exact moment. But I can definitely say thank you to Renée Dunn for leading me into our Political Action Committee. I joined the “Are You In?” Campaign. That’s when I realized collective action is important. Helping our members make informed decisions on who they vote for as City Councillors. Asking are they labour friendly, do they support transit workers and so forth to actually get a dominantly progressive City Council in place. Which made for excellent gains in our next Collective Bargaining Agreement. One leads right to the other. Whoever says politics don’t belong in any Union is just plain wrong.
What has your experience been like as a woman working in the Transit industry?
I have found it both interesting and difficult to be in a workplace centered towards men.
For example:
It’s incredibly difficult to get uniforms that are made to fit women’s bodies. Having to fight to get free period products in all our washrooms so women feel safe and comfortable and clean at work. Still struggling to get access to clean and sanitary washrooms available on all our routes because women are typically refused the use of washrooms at businesses along our routes. Removing names of our members being posted and using badges instead to ensure everyone feels and is safe while working.
Seeing the lack of diversity in hiring and promotions is very demoralizing. Women only form maybe 25% (and that’s being generous) of our workforce!
The biggest win for me is knowing that I’ll be paid equally as much as my male co-workers. Previous employers always paid me less, for doing equal or better than in the workplace, just for being born female.
Why is it important for women to be active in unions?
To show that we hold an important place at the table. We are leaders too.
Our voices can make changes in the workplace from our perspective to positively affect everyone.
Have you faced challenges that you think are unique to women at work?
I have. Some male co-workers felt it was been ok to yell at and/or demean me while working. When I’m quite sure they would not have behaved the same way with a male counterpart. I feel that rumours (that are hurtful), about women in the workplace are found to be more tolerated. Which is not ok nor should we tolerate it. Hearing the term “Boys will be boys” is no longer an acceptable cover for these actions or words.
Feeling unsafe to drive certain routes because I don’t feel safe as a woman. Not driving at night because I don’t feel safe. Getting out of my seat to use the washroom in either of the above instances magnifies that feeling. Most recently not using certain bus stops for the Pick-Up Bus in the morning because I am most definitely not safe to be alone there. Not feeling safe to work road to road work because passengers will know which one is my car. And sometimes even walking to my car is worrisome because passengers will know that is my car. We worry about vandalism or someone waiting for us at these locations. As a woman we have to pre-plan for any of the above incidences. Keys in our hands. Phone at the ready. Vigilantly scanning the area we are walking in etc. I am quite sure a majority of our male counterparts do not do this.
Is there a moment where you felt your voice made a difference?
There have been so many times I have felt my voice has made a difference.
Definitely when I was involved in the “Are you in?” campaign is the biggest one for me. Internal organizing was exciting. Listening and talking with our members.
What advice would you give women who are thinking about getting involved in their union?
This is a bit forward but Just Do It!!! Your voice can make a difference in the workplace. You can be the difference in a better workplace. Come to a few meetings to start. Talk to us. Ask us questions. You Are Our Union! You are ATU 583!
Thank you, Cheryl for these valuable insights!
COPE 397 /jw
