When you talk with Jose Gallardo, a health care aide at Villa Marie, a Covenant Care assisted living facility in Red Deer, you’re immediately struck by his enthusiasm for his work and his desire to make his workplace as positive an environment as possible. This desire, he says, led him to take on the challenge of the role of union chair when the position came open three years ago.
“At first, I thought I would hate it,” says Jose of the role. “It’s a big commitment, and it’s certainly been challenging for me, but at the same time, I feel great when we make positive changes for my co-workers and for Covenant as a whole.”
The role of union representative is no small commitment. It requires superb listening and communication skills, confidence in advocating on behalf of employees to senior management and a zeal for improving the workplace environment — all on top of the representative’s regular job. It’s a tough role that takes a lot of energy and devotion.
“I'm never just thinking of myself or even of my co-workers. I always think about what kind of environment we want to create. And when issues come up, it’s never about pointing fingers and saying, ’You need to do this and that.’ I always encourage people to work together to create a better environment for everyone.”
Jose’s commitment to transparent communication and fostering a positive workplace milieu led to his being nominated for Covenant’s 2024 Mission Award for Integrity. This award recognizes Covenant staff who exhibit strong character in the face of adversity and show courage and honesty to help create a safe environment for all — characteristics Jose has shown in abundance in his role as union chair.
Jose says he was pleasantly surprised by the nomination.
“My reaction was like, ’Wow! You really think all that about me?’ It’s nice to be recognized because most of the time you’re not getting feedback, even when you’re doing a great job. I always come to work wanting to do my best. The staff at Villa Marie are like family to me, and this motivates me to do the best I can for them. It’s nice to be nominated as it says to me that I’m on the right track.”
Jose emigrated from Venezuela 16 years ago and joined Covenant Care nine years ago. Initially drawn to Villa Marie because of its proximity to his house, he says he immediately clicked with the environment — his co-workers, the management and the residents — an atmosphere that always has him looking forward to coming to work.
He particularly enjoys working with residents with dementia, with whom he feels a strong connection.
Jose says he seeks above all to bring a positive attitude and a sense of gratitude to his job every day. It’s this attitude that makes for an exemplary health care aide or, for that matter, a great union chair.
“To do the work I do, you really have to love it,” he says.
“I always try to be positive and to be as good a communicator as I can with managers, supervisors and co-workers. There’s always room for improvement, starting with yourself. And that’s where I always start.”
Read more about Jose, and be sure to watch the 2024 Mission Awards celebration on May 1 at 12 p.m.
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