UFCW Local 400 representative Steve Meador was recently named Man of the Year by the Western Virginia Chapter of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW).

He received the award at the Bread and Roses Labor Awards Dinner in Roanoke for his dedication to the labor movement, his political activism, and his fierce advocacy for his members.

“I was very honored to be chosen as man of the year,” Steve said. “I don’t take it lightly. I was very humbled that people think I’m making a difference for our members and for workers overall.”

Steve worked at Kroger in Roanoke for more than 27 years. He was a shop steward for two decades and served on three bargaining committees. In 2013, he joined the staff as a union representative and ever since, he’s been filing grievances, participating in labor canvassing walks and phone banks, marching in Labor Day parades, and bargaining for his members. His advocacy for his women members and ensuring they are treated fairly has been a model.

At the dinner, Local 400 Vice President and Central & Southern Virginia Regional Director Donna Waddell presented Steve with a sign from the 1968 Memphis sanitation strike proclaiming “I am a man.” “Oh lord, the dinner was outstanding,” Steve said. “There were all kinds of labor unions there, brothers and sisters from across the region. It was honor to have Donna present me with the sign because she and I have advocated together for equal rights across the board.”

“Steve Meador has more than earned the ‘Man of the Year’ honor,” said Local 400 President Mark P. Federici. “He is deeply dedicated to justice and fairness, and from his time as shop steward to his service as a representative, he has always fought for his members’ rights and well-being with every fabric of his being. It is a privilege to serve with him at Local 400.”