Posts Categorized: UFCW Canada

More than 300 UFCW members, officers, staff, and community allies from across the continent recently gathered in Vancouver, B.C. for the 12th Biennial UFCW Women’s Network Convention. The theme of this year’s convention was Turning Passion into Action.  The UFCW Women’s Network focuses on motivating and encouraging UFCW women to become more active in their union and their communities across Canada and the United States.

Delegates at this year’s convention were welcomed with opening remarks by UFCW Women’s Network International Chair Rhonda Nelson; UFCW Canada National President Paul Meinema; and UFCW International Secretary Treasurer Esther López. Alberta Premier Rachel Notley also delivered a message of solidarity via video from Alberta.

Over the course of the four-day convention, activists engaged in several panels and presentations focusing on organizing, the political power of women, building better contracts for women and families, mentoring, and speaking up for your union. The event also served as a chance to highlight the challenges and opportunities that UFCW sisters are facing across Canada and the United States today.

“The Women’s Network Convention is an opportunity for UFCW women from all across Canada and the United States to meet, share knowledge, and leave recharged and empowered to make positive change in their union, workplaces and communities,” said Nancy Quiring, UFCW Canada director for the Western Provinces, chair of the National Council Women’s Advisory Committee and executive vice president of the Women’s Network. “You could definitely feel the excitement and positive energy built at this convention. UFCW women are being challenged to find their passion and turn it into action and they are rising to the challenge!”

“You are my heroes,” said UFCW International Secretary Treasurer Esther Lopez to the energetic crowd. “You will exceed all of our expectations and create a dynamic and welcoming Union community and build the UFCW of the future.”

“Working women must stand together to let employers, politicians, and their communities know what they need on the job,” said Nelson. “With the efforts of the Women’s Network, the story of UFCW members will be told and help shape future policies for working women.”

UFCW International Vice President and Director of the Civil Rights and Community Action Department Robin Williams also presented the results of the AFL-CIO Working Women Survey, which detailed the need for better scheduling policies and other attention to issues that are affecting women in the workforce today.

The UFCW Women’s Network aims to empower women through leadership training and mentoring, while encouraging UFCW women to actively participate to a bring a stronger voice at the bargaining table, in organizing campaigns, and in the political arena. To learn more about the UFCW Women’s Network, click here.

A recent video uploaded to Facebook by UFCW Canada depicts the owner of Best Western Seven Oaks in Regina, Saskatchewan pushing and shoving UFCW Local 1400 members who are currently on strike for a living wage, fair benefits, and back pay.

The video was posted to demonstrate the bullying that the workers at the hotel have endured. Now, UFCW Canada Local 1400 is asking for support from our union family. Instead of harassing and abusing workers, they want the owner to get back to the bargaining table so they can reach a fair agreement.

The workers have been on strike for nearly two months, but their employer is refusing to respect the collective bargaining process after negotiations came to a standstill back in December.

“We’re willing to sit down at the table at any time, as the members are eager to negotiate, but the company refuses to budge on several issues, and they do not seem interested in negotiating, so our fight for fairness continues,” said Norm Neault, President of UFCW Canada Local 1400.

To advance the call for a fair contract, the Best Western workers and their families are asking consumers, supporters, and friends to join the campaign for fairness at Best Western Seven Oaks by sending a letter to Best Western’s President and CEO, David Kong.

The strike has gained the attention of local media and has garnered support from surrounding communities. You can help show that our entire union family stands behind these hard-working brothers and sisters by sending your message, as well as by sharing the above video on social media.