UFCW 1006A was proud to host more than 220 stewards at our 8th Annual Stewards’ Conference.
Stewards from across the province attended the event which took place on September 20 in Markham, Ontario.
The theme of the conference was 1006Advantage, which explored how UFCW makes life better for workers and families and builds fairer workplaces and communities.
President Wayne Hanley welcomed stewards with a keynote address, highlighting what Local 1006A achieved since the 2024 conference. The event featured dynamic speakers including UFCW International President Milton Jones and 1006A Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Benn.
Recorder Glacier Effs-Samuel facilitated an Education and Training panel and a Member Advantage panel.
Panelists included members Penny Patterson (Your Independent Grocer), Lorrie Russell (No Frills), Michael Creary (Ryder Supply Chain Solutions), Jacqueline Fraser (No Frills), and Zoran Markovic (Loblaws Great Food) and Sabrina Randhawa (SilverCity Brampton).
“Stewards exemplify the best of our union,” said UFCW 1006A President Wayne Hanley. “You demonstrate the core values that unite and bring us together, through every conversation you have, every question you answer, every problem you solve and every person you help. You are the 1006Advantage.”
President Hanley spoke about the many advantages of 1006A, including:
- Strong union negotiating committees which help members achieve gains and protections through fair union contracts
- Dynamic organizers who help non-union workers secure protections, rights and representation at work
- Highly skilled WSIB and Health and Safety specialists who build and strengthen healthy and safe workplaces and advocate for injured workers
- Diverse committees which create inclusive and progressive workplaces
President Hanley also discussed the importance of nurturing and growing the union advantage.
“The union has never been something outside of us,” he said. “The union is you and it is me. It’s always been all of us, coming together with our shared values of community, courage, compassion, fairness and solidarity trying to make life better for our co-workers.”
UFCW International President Milton Jones commended the stewards for their hard work.
“The very foundation of our union is built on working together for the betterment of working people and we can’t do that without you.,” President Jones said. “That’s why I’m calling on you to step up, speak out, and help us grow stronger. Bring your ideas. Bring your passion. And lead from where you are. Our mission isn’t just to hold the line in this tough political climate—it’s to keep moving forward.”
Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Benn spoke about the important work of 1006A stewards.
“You may never know the full impact of the work you do as stewards. But know this, you are changing lives for the better,” he said.
Secretary-Treasurer Benn also presented a financial report and highlighted the importance of retirement planning.
The 2025 Member Achievement Awards were also presented during the conference:
- Health and Safety award: Michelle Wilson from Frulact
- Eliminating Barriers for Human Rights award: Lahin Maknojia from Real Canadian Superstore
- Leadership and Advancement of the UFCW award: Annabelle Smith from Ecotex
“I was shocked by the award for health and safety – it was an absolute honour,” said Michelle from Frulact. “Having UFCW 1006A acknowledge all the hard work we do as stewards is unforgettable. It was a great conference – I always enjoy listening to the different speakers and seeing familiar faces. Being able to share our stories with one another and learn from each other is absolutely incredible.”
“I was excited and anxious about winning the Advancement of the UFCW award,” said Annabelle. “Going up there and seeing everyone happy for me made me emotional because my hard work was finally paying off. I’m extremely grateful for this award because it’s nice to feel seen. We, as workers, go through a lot so to have a place where we are celebrated and recognized is heartwarming.”
Ryan O’Quinn, the National Business Development & Advancement Director with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, spoke about the life-changing difference that UFCW Canada members have made in the lives of those affected by the disease. Thanks to the support of UFCW Canada, many patients are living longer.
Natasha Grey, a member of the Executive Board and a long-time steward from No Frills, was thrilled with the conference.
“I thought the conference was great, informative and had amazing speakers and performers,” Natasha said. “I liked Wayne’s speech and it makes me so proud to be in a union where everyone is passionate and union strong. The conference was just simply amazing and it’s a pleasure to come back each year and see that it always gets bigger, bolder and better.”
Zoran Markovic, one of the panelists who works at a Loblaws Great Food, said the event was amazing.
“The theme of the conference was Union Advantage, and that message was sent out to us not only by the very interesting motivational speakers, like UFCW International President Milton Jones and UFCW Local 1006A President Wayne Hanley, but also through the different artistic performances,” Zoran said. “The conference reminds us that we are a great family and that we are brothers and sisters, and it strengthens the bonds between us.”
Zoran said stewards are on the frontline of the labour movement’s fight for equality, better working conditions, better pay and a better life for everyone.
“I am steward because when I needed help, and felt unsecure, unprotected, abandoned and afraid, the union stepped in and stood up for me,” he said. “I learned that when you feel weak, you need somebody who will carry you through the problem you're dealing with. Having been in such a position, I decided to be the one who will represent, advocate and act for members who find themselves in that position.”
Penny Patterson, a long-time instructor and panelist at the conference, brought three stewards with her to the conference from Petrolia, Ontario.
“It gave me a huge burst of energy to take back to my workplace and community.”
Penny, who works at a Your Independent Grocer, said stewards have a vital role within the union.
“Stewards are so important because: who will police the collective agreement if there are no stewards?” she said. “Who will educate the workers about their rights? Who will phone the Ontario Ministry of Labour when safety processes aren't being followed? A steward is a leader, a therapist, a source of knowledge, a friendly face in times of trouble, a fierce warrior and the backbone of our movement.”
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