More than 250 stewards from across Ontario came together for the 7th Annual Stewards‘ Conference – the largest in local union history.
Stewards, who work in a diversity of workplaces and sectors, took action to attended the event in Markham.
The theme of the conference was “1006Action: Transforming Lives, Workplaces and Communities.”
The event, which took place on September 21, featured speakers including award-winning playwright Trey Anthony, author and leadership expert Scott Kress, Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles and Health and Safety Advocate Rick Young. Executive Assistant to the President Dan Gilbert and Recorder Glacier Effs-Samuel moderated the conference.
President Wayne Hanley motivated and encouraged stewards to take action in their workplaces and communities and provided updates through his state of the union address to attendees.
“It has always been the union workers who took action to create better workplaces, safer workplaces, a better life and a better world,” said President Wayne Hanley. “It’s been union workers who stood up for workers and their families, for the powerless, for the underprivileged.”
President Hanley recognized the daily actions taken by stewards on the shop floor to create change.
“If you, like me, imagine a world where all workers are compensated fairly and treated with respect and dignity – we need to take action,” President Hanley said. “When we take actions big and small together, we add to the list of victories, the justice and the progress that our members deserve.”
Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Benn presented a financial report and recognized the vital role of stewards within the union. “Our stewards’ conference is absolutely by far my favourite, as it brings our union family together,” said Benn. “It lifts us up, empowers us and strengthens us for the months ahead. It reminds us we are not alone, and that we are part of a larger collective, working and taking action for change.”
The 2024 Member Achievement Awards were also awarded during the conference.
The 2024 recipients are:
- Health and Safety award: Alex Vankoughnett from Tania’s No Frills
- Fundraising award: Sheela Sivanesan from Unifirst Canada
- Contribution to the Community award: Elaine Hemingway from RCSS 1024
- Eliminating Barriers for Human Rights award: Alicia Quan from Baton Rouge in Ottawa
- Leadership and Advancement of the UFCW award: Scott Spears of Darling International Fleet Division
Union stewards were also informed about an important new Public and Customer Abuse campaign, which impacts much of the membership.
Health and Safety Representative Rick Young delivered a presentation, encouraging stewards and the membership to report customer abuse and harassment to the union.
Kyle Matos, a steward at Indigo, was excited to join his fellow stewards at the conference.
“This was an incredible experience to meet not only other stewards but the people in the union,” said Matos. “I learned so much more about the union as a whole and my job as a steward. There are so many more people at UFCW than what you see day to day.”
Marike Mueller-Ehrenberg, who works at Loblaws Great Food, was inspired by the diverse range of speakers.
“It was motivating,” said Mueller-Ehrenberg. “We are taking action and as Wayne said, we will make our workplaces better.”
She said she was happy to see so many new stewards attending, as growth is essential to the union. “The conference is a great way to say thank you to all the stewards.”
Valrie Francis, a steward at Real Canadian Superstore, was inspired to hear from Trey Anthony, whose play, Da Kink in My Hair, she had seen in high school.
“Her journey was the definition of breaking limitations and once you find your calling and purpose in life, it’s important to have no excuses to execute it.”
Francis said she gained a lot from the conference. “It’s a great way to connect with like-minded individuals and it is great to have that sense of community knowing we are working together in action to empower each other, our workplaces and communities and the next generation.”
Nancy Prout, a steward at RCSS, said the conference was very beneficial.
“It was exceptional and inspirational — one of the best,” said Prout.
WATCH OUR VIDEO ON STEWARDS TAKING ACTION
