Alicia Quan is proud to be among the strong tradition of 1006A women activists, who are transforming their workplaces and communities.
Quan, a steward from Baton Rouge in Ottawa, is a member of 1006A’s Women’s Issues Network (WIN), which empowers members within 1006A and gives a voice to issues faced by women at work and in our communities. The committee’s key priorities include ending the gender wage gap and eliminating gender-based violence.
“It’s inspiring to be a part of WIN and a community to help create change,” said Quan.
A TD Economics report notes households with women as the primary or sole income earner have significantly increased since the 1990s, with 30 per cent of women being the breadwinners in their family. Around 17 per cent of all families with children are single-parent households.
“Equal Pay is so important because there are many single women with children who need more money to feed their families,” said Penny Patterson, a steward from Heidi’s Your Independent Grocer. “Not everyone is aware that women do not have equal rights or equal pay.”
It’s an issue that Maria Bocangel, a steward at a Toronto Real Canadian Superstore (RCSS), raised awareness about in her workplace.
The committee raises awareness through key annual events, including In- ternational Women’s Day (March), Equal Pay Day (April) and the 16 Days of Ac- tivism Against Gender-Based Violence (December).
Quan is among a younger generation of activists, who are supporting the decades-old struggle to eliminate the gender wage gap at non-union work- places. The Ontario Equal Pay Coalition, an independent group of labour, business and community allies, reports that Ontario women are making 32 per cent on average less than men – a gap, which the coalition notes, has been stagnant for almost three decades.
“Women in our society have been under- appreciated and undervalued for so long – women do the same work as men and we deserve the same pay,” Quan said. “Women and families cannot afford to be underpaid.”
“Across UFCW 1006A, women are helping transform members’ lives as stewards, staff and leaders within our union," said President Wayne Hanley. "We are proud of the inspiring and empowering work they do in raising awareness and working for change. We are proud to stand as allies with our members, as we collectively work to build more equal, inclusive, and fairer workplaces and communities for all.”
It’s an issue that Maria Bocangel, a steward at a Toronto Real Canadian Superstore (RCSS), raised awareness about at her workplace.
“With high inflation, families can no longer afford their basic needs and women are suffering more,” she said. “Paying women less due to their gender, knowingly or unknowingly, is first of all, dis- crimination, and we need our allies to take a lead in fighting this otherwise, everyone’s daughters and granddaughters will be fighting this same battle in the next few decades.”
Across UFCW Canada, members also observe the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The Canadian Women’s Foundation reports that one woman or girl is killed every 48 hours. More than 40 per cent of women re- ported to have experienced intimate partner violence.
Dianne Wilmot, a steward from No Frills, is a long time activist who has been raising awareness for several years on this issue.
“Women are still considered less than men in society and are being paid less – and that has been happening for decades,” she said.
Women, who are increasingly becoming the breadwinners in families, are being penalized through the gender wage gap as they deal with rising cost of living in today’s economy.
“Violence is escalating in our communi- ties, threatening our lives and families and it needs to stop,” said Nancy Prout, a steward at an RCSS in Whitby. “Women deserve to be safe at home, at work and in our communities.”
Prout is a proud WIN member.
“Collectively, we raise awareness and education about women’s issues. “Everyone can play a part in creating a more equal and safe world.”
