On Oct. 26, over 300 UFCW members from the U.S. and Canada participated in the UFCW Women’s Network 14th Biennial Convention, which was held virtually.
The biennial convention’s theme, “Resilience Through Leadership,” was aptly named as women continue to navigate the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Participants heard from UFCW International President Marc Perrone, UFCW Canada National President Paul Meinema, and the two women who hold the highest positions in the labor movement in the U.S. and Canada – AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske.
Founder and Midwest Academy Board Chair Heather Booth led a workshop detailing the fundamental ideas of the Midwest Academy’s Strategy Chart – a widely used grassroots organizing tool. UFCW Legislative Director Rachel Lyons talked about the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, and UFCW Canada Director of the Ontario Region Debora De Angelis talked about the need to close the gender wage gap in Canada. International Chair Deliana Speights highlighted how women pivoted during COVID to address safety issues, develop contract language, and organize.
Delegates finished the convention feeling inspired and motivated to lead change with a strategy that involves empowering women. You can learn more about the UFCW Women’s Network here.