Of Note: This news item is archived content from UFCW Canada Local 1000A.
Local 1000A and UFCW Canada Local 206 merged on May 1, 2016 to form UFCW Canada Local 1006A.
Members and their families, from the Ottawa area, turned out in full force for Local 1000A’s first Community Action Network (CAN) BBQ picnic on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at Ottawa’s Vincent Massey Park. Despite the rain, the event brought together people of all ages and cultures for a family day of food, fun and activities.
“Our members work hard to provide for their families and oftentimes, it means they are not able to spend as much time as they like with their loved ones,” said Tony Soares, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 1000A and chair of the network. “This event is about giving back to our members by providing them with a fun-filled day where they can simply relax and be with those they love.”
Local 1000A member Frank Mensah brought along a special guest to the 2011 International Women’s Day celebrations in downtown Toronto: his 11-year-old daughter, Trinity Jeffcott. Mensah and Jeffcott were among the strong Local 1000A contingent who marched in the annual rally.
“She is the future,” Mensah said. “I wanted her to learn about the history of the women’s movement, and the strength of those who struggled for women’srights over the years.” While International Women’s Day is March 8, the event was held on March 12 to accommodate workers.
Members at Maple Grove Ratify New Contract
Increased wages, job guarantees and improved vacation entitlements were among the key gains achieved by workers at National Grocers Maple Grove Distribution Centre in their newly ratified collective agreement. Owned by Loblaw Companies, the warehouse is the largest in the National Grocers chain.
After 32 years of service to the labour movement, Local 1000A president Kevin Corporon retired July 1, 2011.
“I have had the good fortune and have been proud to work for and on behalf of our great union, activists and members,” Kevin said.
The local union’s Executive Board met on Tuesday March 8, and in accordance with its constitution and bylaws, Pearl Sawyer was elected to serve the balance of Kevin’s term, which ends December 31, 2012.
We are in the midst of some very challenging times as the working class in North America is increasingly coming under attack. People are concerned about job security, whether or not they will have a comfortable retirement and whether or not their children will have a decent future. It’s likely to get even tougher.
The road ahead will not be easy but I believe with the help of UFCW Canada Local 1000A members, we can rise to meet these challenges and be a strong voice for workers across this province and country.
Long-time union activist Caroline Brisebois was presented with the 2010 Pearl Sawyer Award on June 19, 2010 at the local union’s fourth annual Stewards Conference in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Along with being the president of Local 1000A’s Ottawa Division, Brisebois is a steward and an assistant customer service manager at Loblaws in Vanier.
