UFCW Canada Local 1006A first Stewards’ Conference was a great success, bringing together stewards from sectors and cities across Ontario.
The immense growth and transformation of 1006A was on full display with activists participating from the Restaurant, Hotel, Industrial, Grocery Retail, Manufacturing, Transport, Warehouse, Processing sectors and much more.
Centred around the theme of ‘My Union, Our Union,” the conference was about building a stronger, dynamic and inclusive 1006A. The conference featured informative and engaging presentations.
"Our union today is stronger, more diverse and powerful, has more resources and stability than anytime in our history,” said President Wayne Hanley. "I am proud of 1006A and have so much faith in where we are and where we are going."
President Hanley said increasing member and activist engagement is crucial to strengthening our union now and into the future.
"When we step up, own our role and increase our activism, we strength our union as a whole,” said President Hanley. "When we bring our collective talents, perspectives and interests to our local, we enrich our local as a whole…This is our Union."
Leslie Wyatt, a steward from Swiss Chalet, said the energy at the conference was amazing.
“I felt very much welcomed and included,” Wyatt said. "It was great to see all the different industries come together and to find out more about how everyone, from the stewards, to the reps, to the union office and committees, work together to serve the membership.”
"When I think of 1006A, I think of my union, I am part of it, I belong and it belongs to me,” said Wyatt.
Paul Meinema, UFCW National President, also spoke at the conference.
“1006A has tremendous leadership who have always been deeply committed to the membership and our great union,” said Meinema. “Combined, your leadership, your e-board, and an engaged membership has set Local 1006A to advance as an even stronger voice for workers and a pillar of our national and international union."
Shawn Rampersaud, a steward from Maple Leaf Food Canning, said the conference was educational and eye-opening.
"It was put together well together. I have never been to a conference like this before. I felt pretty special being here. To see that kind of solidarity is pretty amazing.”
La Toya Grey, who works at Francois’ No Frills, said the conference was very informative.
“It is a new beginning for our union—we have more ability now to make change in our workplaces and our communities. 1006A to me means ‘family.’
1006A is proud to announce almost $6000 was raised at the Divisional and Stewards' Conferences for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.
