UFCW Canada Local 1000A flags flew high in downtown Toronto on Saturday, March 9, 2013 as activists and members gathered to mark International Women’s Day (IWD).
After attending a rally at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), the group joined thousands in marching from Bloor and St. George St. to Ryerson University.
“On behalf of Local 1000A, I want to thank our members and activists for coming out to celebrate International Women’s Day,” said President Pearl Sawyer. “I was proud to walk side by side with my fellow sisters and brothers in support of a just, safe and equitable society.”
UFCW Canada Local 1000A activists were among the 120 delegates who gathered at Barrie’s Kempenfelt Centre to participate in the first ever Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) Women’s Leadership Summit. Held over three days, the summit drew women from a wide range of sectors, from retail to industrial to healthcare to education.
The Equal Pay Coalition has succeeded in putting forth amendments to the Putting Students First Act, a controversial piece of legislation that imposes wage freezes on teachers and takes away their right to strike.
The changes ensure that pay equity adjustments are not affected by the compensation freeze under the new legislation. Local 1000A is a member of the Equal Pay Coalition and has been active in advocating for pay equity for decades.
Mary-Joe Eaton wiped the tears off her face as she walked through crowds of applauding activists to accept the 2012 Pearl Sawyer Award.
“I will always remember and cherish this moment,” said Mary-Joe, a long-time steward at Kretschmar.
“I want to thank all my sisters and brothers at Local 1000A for this honour. What I do, I do to help others and make a difference, and to be recognized for that leaves me speechless.”
