Posts Categorized: UFCW Canada

Over 200 workers at CBI Health in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, recently joined UFCW Local 832 for a better life.

These new members of our union family are employed as direct support professionals and team leads that support individuals living with disabilities or illnesses, which can be related to cognitive challenges, physical health or mental health. They joined UFCW Local 832 because they were concerned about scheduling changes, workplace health and safety issues, and favoritism.

The campaign to organize these workers included handing out information about the UFCW at CBI Health, and reaching out to workers via Facebook and other social media platforms. CBI Health workers voted electronically to join UFCW Local 832 on Oct. 6 to 8. However, due to a dispute over voter eligibility, the workers had to wait and wonder about the outcome. On Thursday, Oct. 27, the union received the certificate from the Manitoba Labour Board, and the workers were thrilled to hear that they had officially unionized their workplace with the UFCW.

“Our new union members at CBI Health have gained a strong voice at work and support when they need it most,” said UFCW Local 832 President Jeff Traeger. “We look forward to diving deeper into the issues they face and working with them to develop a fair contract with their employer that addresses those issues.”

This new unit will join almost 17,000 active UFCW Local 832 members in Manitoba, with more than 1,400 of those members in the assisted living sector, working at over a dozen similar agencies.

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.