Nearly 150 stewards from across Ontario joined UFCW Canada Local 1000A staff and officers to officially kick off the ninth annual Stewards Conference.
Focused around the theme, “What Defines Your Labour Movement,” the conference featured a variety of speakers who provided stewards with key information, strategies and tools to assist members in the workplace. The conference ran from September 19 to September 20.
Pearl Sawyer, Local 1000A President, delivered a keynote address to open the conference and provided stewards with information and updates on local union initiatives from the past year.
Sawyer spoke about the challenges facing workers and their families across this country and the importance of voting in the upcoming federal election on October 19, 2015.
“Each of you has the power to make a difference to help create a Canada where childcare matters, where healthcare is strengthened and not cut, where seniors can retire with dignity, where there are good quality jobs which will lift families up,” said Sawyer. “Learn about each party and what they stand for and most importantly, I encourage you to get out and vote.”
NDP MP for Scarborough Rouge-River Rathika Sitsabaiesan, UFCW Canada Ontario Director Derek Johnstone, and UFCW Canada Political Director Mark Hennessey also spoke at the conference.
Anna Alers-Alers, a steward from a Thunder Bay Real Canadian Superstore, said the conference provides a major recharge for stewards.
“It is always amazing when so many stewards come together—it’s a reminder that we are not alone and we are together in this fight to create better workplaces and communities and that we can create change together.”
She said what defined her labour movement was empowerment.
“It’s uplifting and empowering to be reminded that ordinary people can make a difference. Everyone counts and everyone has something to offer.”
For Justin Marcil, who works at a London No Frills store, it was his first Stewards’ Conference.
“I was trying to soak it all in,” said Marcil. “I didn’t realize how much help there is for members and stewards to access. When you come to a conference like this, you realize how big the network is and how many people you can go to for help and advice.”
Marcil said what defines his labour movement is the fight for equality.
“What connects us is this fight to build a better life for everybody and not just a select few,” Marcil said. “While the rich are getting richer, the quality of life for everyone else is going down. We are coming together to raise the standard for everyone.”
Cathy Watson, a steward from Stuart Parker’s Your Independent Grocer in North Bay, said the Steward’s Conference was a motivating experience.
“Every time I come, it reinforces my passion to get back to the workplace and get more people involved.”
Watson said: “What defines my labour movement is giving back. It is about helping others and making a difference in whatever way we can.”
Outstanding Member Achievements Awards
In addition, Local 1000A presented its first-ever Outstanding Member Achievement awards recognizing commitment, dedication and activism in the following categories:
- Leadership and Advancement of the UFCW – Caroline Brisebois
- Fundraising for Leukemia Research – Mary-Joe Eaton
- Promoting Health & Safety in the Workplace – Annie Sundar
- Contributions to the Community – Scott Perkins
- Human Rights (New Category will be presented for 2015)
From left to right below, Paul Docherty, Annie Sundar, Mary-Joe Eaton, Pearl Sawyer, Dan Gilbert
For an application for the Outstanding Member Achievement awards, please click here.
Women’s Issues Network (WIN) Award
Established in 2005, the “Pearl” Award is annually presented to female members for their contributions to improving the livelihood of women in the workplace, the labour movement in general and their community.
The 2015 WIN award was presented to Susan Bailey (below holding roses) with WIN committee:
The award is named after Local 1000A President Pearl Sawyer. With the exception of the nominators or nominees, WIN (Women’s Issues Network) Executive members select the recipient.
Thank you to all those who participated in this year’s conference! See you next year!
Check out our 2015 Stewards Conference Gallery below!
Theme: "what defines your labour movement" More pics to come - PLEASE HELP US TAG!
Posted by UFCW1000A on Saturday, September 19, 2015
