Posts Categorized: Resources

The UFCW continued to strengthen and expand education and training programs across our union in 2025, including the launch of a new Education and Staff Development Department at the International. The newly formed department is dedicated to supporting local union staff, officers, and members through a wide range of initiatives, including steward training, new staff onboarding, and leadership development programs.

The International also continued to offer health and safety trainings for locals this year with the goal of keeping our members safe in the workplace, as well as trainings for Special Project Union Representatives (SPURs). The SPUR training sessions are designed to build stronger connections with members while honing the skills needed for effective union work. The trainings are also helpful in identifying potential leaders like stewards, representatives, organizers, and membership services representatives.

Here are the education and training articles that appeared in OnPoint this year:

Local 1059 Holds SPUR Training in Ohio – For Local Unions

Local 186D Members Participate in Organizing and Health and Safety Trainings – For Local Unions

UFCW Launches New Education and Staff Development Department – For Local Unions

United Latinos of the UFCW Host Education Conference in San Diego – For Local Unions

UFCW Holds Cannabis Organizing Conference in Detroit – For Local Unions

Help Keep Our Members Safe in the Summer Heat – For Local Unions

OSH Office Holds Workplace Safety Training in Pennsylvania – For Local Unions

OSH Office Holds Workplace Safety Training in Texas – For Local Unions

Organizing SPUR Trainings Available to Locals – For Local Unions

Health and Safety Trainings Available to Locals – For Local Unions

The International’s Education and Staff Development Department is encouraging members to take advantage of the UFCW Discount College Program.

Do you have a family member who is considering going back to school?

Have you thought about getting a degree?

Do you have prior college credits?

The UFCW Discount College Program was designed to provide our members and their families with an affordable and flexible path to their higher education goals and includes a broad selection of participating colleges, as well as degree programs spanning from certificates and associate degrees to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. All classes are online and members and their families can attend part- or full-time.

The UFCW’s partners are:

•           EBS Union College Benefit and

•           EDVANCE

They help facilitate the process.

“As I’ve met with the educational partners, I’ve been excited to learn about the steep discounts each partner offers UFCW members and their families,” said Education and Staff Development Department Director Jenny Reed. “With 30 to 50 percent savings at participating colleges, school administrators work directly with our members and their families to apply for additional federal financial assistance, which could cover their remaining tuition costs. Our partners will also help narrow down what school is the best fit, evaluate any existing transcripts to determine if earned credits can be applied to a degree, and offer other support services.”

You can learn more about the UFCW Discount College Program here. Any questions about the program should be directed to the Education and Staff Development Department at educationdept@ufcw.org.