UFCW Canada Local 1006A delegates and alternates joined more than 2,500 delegates from across North America for UFCW's 8th Regular Convention.
Participants determined the direction and plans for the union over the next five years and reaffirmed their commitment to growing and strengthening the union.
The convention centered around the theme of unity, family, community and worth.
“Our great union is defined by the core values of unity, family, community and worth, which guide us and strengthen us in the challenges we face,” said President Wayne Hanley. “I’m proud of our UFCW 1006A delegation and their hard work throughout this convention. Our delegates and alternates have gained invaluable knowledge to take back to the membership and help strengthen our union.”
Delegates re-elected President Marc Perrone, Esther Lopez as International Secretary-Treasurer, Paul Meinema, Stuart Appelbaum, Shaun Barclay as Executive Vice-Presidents. 1006A President Wayne Hanley was also sworn in as UFCW International Vice-President.
UFCW 1006A’s staff rep and OUTreach International member Jackie Graticola was a panelist on “Immigration, Race and Gender Identity in Workplace Intersection" and UFCW 1006A member Kallisha Hoyes was a panelist on “Socialize. Organize. Mobilize. Educate: Strategies for Engaging New Generations of Workers.”
UFCW 1006A’s Recorder Glacier Effs-Samuel also participated on a panel: "Addressing Violence in the Workplace." As co-chair of the Human Rights and Community Action Committee, Effs-Samuel also spoke at the convention.
Keynote speakers at the convention included astronaut Chris Hadfield, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, hero pilot Chelsey “Sully” Sullenberger and sports legend Billie Jean King.
“The speakers were absolutely amazing in how they spoke with sincerity and passion for the labour movement,” said Natasha Grey, who works at No Frills. “The solidarity in the room moved me. The level and value of education we all obtained from the convention was phenomenal.”
Steve Haycock Jr., who works at Loblaws, was a first-time delegate who loved the experience.
“My takeaway from this convention is that we are truly a family and we are all in this together. When we work together, we can change the world for the better.”
Lisa Van Altena-Walsh, who works at Loblaws, said she learned how to better inspire co-workers and about the challenges faced by union members in Canada and the US.
“We have to work extra hard politically in Canada to make sure we don’t loose our union density and our rights that we have fought so hard for. However, we also have more we need to fight for and can never become complacent.”
