October 26, 2026 – Surrey – Late last month, UFCW Local 247 members from across BC gathered in the Lower Mainland to attend the latest Introduction to Stewardship education session. Held over three days, the course covered relevant topics, including effective communication, workplace rights and how to enforce them, and dealing with health and safety concerns.

“This was a great group, where the questions and perspectives were balanced among our retail, warehousing, and food processing members,” said UFCW Local 247 Education and Engagement Coordinator, Ximena Mastrodonato. “We all learned from one another, and we left with a firm commitment that enforcing workplace rights is worth our time and effort.”

“Providing education opportunities for members is one of the most effective ways to promote strong contract enforcement and activism in our workplaces,” said UFCW Local 247 President Dan Goodman. “We are committed to building a strong network of informed and effective shop stewards through initiatives that will serve our union well into the future.”

Introductory Shop Stewards education is available to all UFCW Local 247 members at no cost to them. Time off from work is arranged and paid for by the union. The only obligations are a willingness to explore taking on the important role of Shop Steward in your workplace and talking it over with your Union Representative.

Future courses are always being planned.

Curious to learn more? UFCW Local 247 members should reach out to their union representatives for more information.