Tribute to Patti Mammela

February 16, 2012

On February 6, at age 58, long-time MoveUP member Patti Mammela passed away. Patti was a Claims Adjuster at ICBC for 12 years.

Patti first joined our union in order to organize her coworkers into a union. She risked her job trying to help others. Her organizing effort was successful and COPE was granted the certification at the Insurance Council of BC.

She lead the way at the bargaining table and almost got a contract. Meanwhile the employer hired more staff and her efforts were destroyed by an employer encouraging decertification
Patti gained the admiration of fellow union activists at COPE when after being fired without just cause for her union activity at the Insurance Bureau, she persevered and continued to be active in our union at ICBC. She was active with the ICBC strike vote and Job Action Liaison Committee in 2003-2004. She also worked hard on the successful MoveUP autonomy drive in 2004.

As a MoveUP Executive Councillor, Patti was always outspoken in her dedication to the issues affecting her fellow ICBC workers. Some areas she worked particularly hard on were occupational health and safety and education issues. She served on the COPE Education Committee.

Outside of COPE activities, Patti had been Secretary of her local minor hockey association and had served on the board of her strata council. She was also very involved with the SPCA.

“I know her coworkers at ICBC and those of us who knew her at COPE will remember her as someone who had great character and integrity, who never backed down from a challenge,” said David Black. “MoveUP will miss Patti and we express our sincere condolences to her son Josh and the rest of her family, who have lost their loved one far too soon.”