Women’s History Month – October 2021

Toronto – October 1, 2021 – Over the last 150 years, women in Canada have made notable strides towards gender equality in our workplaces and communities, and each year activists across the country honour Women’s History Month to celebrate those gains. Held every October, Women’s History Month includes the International Day of the Girl (October […]

Desjardins adds National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to its statutory holidays

Montreal – September 28, 2021 – Last June, the Canadian Parliament passed legislation to create a statutory holiday for federal government employees and federally regulated workplaces to commemorate the tragic fate of residential school victims. Thus, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation has been declared for September 30 of each year. Although Desjardins is […]

UFCW Canada commemorates National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Ottawa – September 24, 2021 – In June of this year, the federal government proclaimed September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day calls for recognition and reflection of the ongoing legacy of Canada’s residential school system. As a paid statutory holiday, it covers all federally regulated employees working in the […]

Industry Snapshot: Canada’s tomato industry nears $1 billion in value

Toronto – September 21, 2021 – Statistics Canada released its latest infographics on trends in the Canadian tomato sector revealing an industry producing nearly $1 billion in value and exporting over 172 million kilograms (kg) of product in 2020. Greenhouse production stood at 256.4 million kg and edging out field production value by more than […]

webCampus continues to expand pre-apprenticeship training with horticulturalist course – Register Now

Toronto – September 20, 2021 – According to Statistics Canada, the Canadian horticultural industry is valued at $7.4 billion and employs nearly 270,000 workers. To prepare UFCW Canada members with the skills and knowledge to excel in this profitable and growing industry, webCampus has launched the Horticulturalist Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The program has been designed specifically […]

UFCW Canada supports International Equal Pay Day – September 18

Toronto – September 14, 2021 – International Equal Pay Day, annually commemorated on September 18, was established in 2019 by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in response to painfully slow progress on women’s economic empowerment, the undervaluing of work traditionally held by women, and the difficulties in tackling pay inequality around the world. In […]

First-ever virtual YIP series inspires new generation of UFCW activists

Toronto – September 10, 2021 – UFCW Canada recently concluded another successful season of the country’s leading labour training program for young activists – the UFCW Canada Young-Workers Internship Program (YIP). Pivoting from the tried and true in-person model, which was postponed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UFCW YIP made a triumphant return […]

More retail workers at Indigo Chapters join the union – UFCW 1006A

Toronto – September 8, 2021 – Retail workers at Chapters Scarborough have voted to join UFCW Local 1006A, becoming the most recent group of Indigo Chapters workers to achieve unionization in Canada. UFCW 1006A also represents workers at Indigo Yorkdale Mall, Chapters Woodbridge, and Indigo Square One. "Our unionization is nothing if not an expression of the deep love we […]

Retirement home members at Revera Meadowlands build a better life – UFCW 401

Medicine Hat, Alta. – September 7, 2021 – UFCW Local 401 members working at Revera Meadowlands Retirement Residence in Medicine Hat, Alberta have achieved a new union contract that provides wage increases, improved benefits, and more. Bargaining with Revera Meadowlands Retirement Residence was short and sweet, involving just over four days of negotiations. “All of these employees […]

Politics Blog: We need to vote for a government that represents working people

Ottawa – September 3, 2021 – With the snap federal election now upon us, and Election Day less than a month away, many of us are considering voting tactically or engaging in “strategic voting.” There is often disagreement about whether strategic voting influences the outcome of an election. Still, it is a question many of […]

Only weeks left to win two iPads and $18K in scholarships

Toronto – September 2, 2021 – With less than four weeks left to apply for the 2021 UFCW Canada – BDM Scholarship program, time is running out for your chance to win one of 18 scholarships worth $1,000 each, or one of two Apple iPads. Each year, UFCW Canada offers 18 UFCW Canada – BDM Scholarships to […]

Labour Day and the march toward a just pandemic recovery

Toronto – September 1, 2021 – Every year on Labour Day, Canada’s unions and members celebrate the contributions of workers across the country. Last year, COVID-19 meant there were no gatherings, but this year may be different depending on where you live. Some people will be able to gather in person, others will celebrate virtually […]

UFCW Canada recognized as Thanks a Million recipient by United Way Centraide Canada

Toronto – August 27, 2021 – UFCW Canada members have earned special recognition as a 2020 Thanks a Million recipient for their tireless efforts to help those in need by raising over $1 million to support the United Way’s work in local communities across the country. “In these unprecedented times, the support of UFCW Canada […]

Industry Snapshot: Canada’s beef supply chain maintains a solid decade of growth

Toronto – August 17, 2021 – According to the latest report from Statistics Canada, the nation’s beef supply chain continues to be a major source of the country’s economic growth going on a decade. The country exported 308 million kilograms of fresh and chilled beef products valued at $2.3 billion in 2019 alone while only […]

Manufacturing workers at Groupe Lacasse join the union – UFCW 1991P

Montreal – August 16, 2021 – Manufacturing workers at Groupe Lacasse Inc. are the newest members to join UFCW 1991P after receiving certification from the Administrative Labour Tribunal (TAT). “I would like to give a warm welcome to the workers of Groupe Lacasse after choosing to join our local union,” says UFCW 1991P President Mario […]

Ontario court moves workers’ class-action lawsuit against Uber to the next stage

Toronto – August 13, 2021 – In the next step towards full recognition of employment rights, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has certified Uber drivers' class-action lawsuit against their app-based employer. “This is the correct decision of the court and as the union for Uber drivers we are paying close attention to the outcome […]

Food retail members at Central Alberta Co-op ratify new contract – UFCW 401

Red Deer, Alta. – August 12, 2021 – UFCW 401 members at the Central Alberta Co-op voted 90% in favour of ratifying a new five-year collective agreement with major gains. The new contract at Central Alberta Co-op comes with singing bonuses of $1,000 for full-time, $500 for part-time and $200 for casual employees in addition […]

Politics Blog: Tough times for Erin O’Toole

Ottawa – August 9, 2021 – With a federal election on the horizon, Conservative Party of Canada leader Erin O’Toole has failed to gain traction with voters, and according to latest polls, is looking less and less capable of leading them to victory. O’Toole has attempted to make his party sound softer by talking about […]

Cannabis workers at third Tokyo Smoke location join the union – UFCW 1006A

Toronto – August 6, 2021 – Cannabis dispensary workers from Tokyo Smoke at the Chartwell Shopping Center in Toronto become the retailers third location to join UFCW 1006A after securing a successful certification vote. “I am proud to congratulate our newest members for standing up for themselves and their co-workers to improve their workplace,” says […]

UFCW Canada observes International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples – August 9

On December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly declared August 9 as the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This day of observance is an opportunity to bring attention to the history of colonization and the systemic barriers that Indigenous communities face here in Canada, or Turtle Island, and around the world. There are […]

UFCW 1400 President Lucia Flack Figueiredo and Secretary-Treasurer Marilynne MacFarlane sworn in

Saskatoon, Sask. – August 3, 2021 – President Lucia Flack Figueiredo and Secretary-Treasurer Marilynne MacFarlane have officially begun their new roles in serving the membership and union, after being sworn into office by UFCW Canada National President Paul Meinema and members of the UFCW Local 1400 Executive Board. “It is a tremendous privilege and responsibility […]

By the Numbers: EI benefits pointing to long-term unemployment concerns

Toronto – July 29, 2021 – The latest data from Statistics Canada points to concerns surrounding long-term unemployment with many industries still struggling in the pandemic fallout. In-person service industries such as accommodation, food services, retail and recreation accounted for 41.8% of all regular EI recipients. As case numbers steadily decline across the country and […]

Apply now for BDM Scholarship awards and referral prizes – September 30 deadline

Toronto – July 27, 2021 – With the start of the new academic year fast approaching, UFCW Canada members and their family are reminded to apply for one of 18 scholarships valued at $1,000. Every year, UFCW Canada offers 18 UFCW Canada – BDM Scholarships to active members and their family members to help with the rising […]

$2.1 million campaign pushes UFCW Canada lifetime fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada past $47.2 million

Toronto – July 26, 2021 – Despite an extraordinarily challenging year, UFCW Canada members and Local Unions were undeterred in their extraordinary ongoing fundraising  efforts, raising more than $ 2.1 million dollars in their latest annual campaign to support the lifesaving and lifechanging work of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC). Since adopting […]

Hospitality workers at Ramada Plaza join the union – UFCW 501

Montreal – July 22, 2021 – Hospitality workers at the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham in Montreal, Quebec are the newest members to join UFCW 501 after a lengthy certification process. The new members waited for over a year to have the Tribunal administratif du travail (TAT) render its decision on certifying the new bargaining unit. […]

Politics Blog: A plan to get the economy on track by assisting workers

Ottawa – July 19, 2021 – With the Liberals determined to have an election while many are still suffering economically and health-wise due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jagmeet Singh and the NDP have released a detailed jobs plan to get Canadians back to work with the supports they need. While ordinary Canadians have lost jobs, […]

Grocery workers at Marché Adonis join the union – UFCW 500

Montreal – July 16, 2021 – UFCW Canada is proud to welcome food retail workers from the Marché Adonis grocery store located in the Dollard-des-Ormeaux area of Montreal. These new members are the first group of workers in the Marché Adonis grocery chain to organize a union in order to raise wages, gain respect, and improve scheduling […]

webCampus offers new courses for summer enrolment

Toronto – July 13, 2021 – UFCW Canada’s online learning platform, webCampus, is offering two new courses over the summer in the On-the-Go and Digital Skills formats. The two courses are described as follows:  On-the-Go: Emotional Intelligence – Asking the Tough Questions explores the role that feelings, identity, and perception play in determining who we […]

BDM Scholarship winner feels honoured to be latest recipient – UFCW 12R24

Ottawa – July 12, 2021 – Police foundations student and UFCW 12R24 member Andrew Barclay is the latest recipient of UFCW Canada’s BDM Scholarship, granted annually to members and their families. “This scholarship will enable me to continue with my studies and pay the day-to-day bills that come along with living alone while going to […]

Cannabis workers at Tokyo Smoke join the union – UFCW 1006A

Toronto – July 9, 2021 – Cannabis workers at Tokyo Smoke in Toronto have joined their colleagues in Hamilton, Ontario as the second location to join UFCW 1006A within the past year. “On behalf of our local union, we are proud to welcome the newest members from Tokyo Smoke,” says UFCW 1006A President Wayne Hanley. […]

UFCW Canada advocacy gets results for migrant workers

Toronto – July 8, 2021 – With the help of UFCW Canada, a group of migrant agricultural workers from Guatemala have successfully recovered their passports and work permits after they were illegally retained by their former employer in Redcliff, Alberta. The migrant workers have been coming to Canada for the last three years and began […]

Education workers at New Haven Learning Centre join the union – UFCW 175 & 633

Toronto – July 7, 2021 – Education workers at New Haven Learning Centre in Toronto are the newest members of UFCW Locals 175 & 633 after recently saying “Yes!” to joining the union. The new members work as Instructor Therapists who support children and adults with developmental disabilities. With their specialized skills, these therapists aid […]

UFCW organizers share stories of triumph, inspiration at 2021 National Organizing Meeting

Toronto – July 6, 2021 – UFCW Canada Local Union organizers and National Office staff, along with guest speakers from the United States, recently convened virtually to share best practices at the 2021 National Organizing Meeting. Activists learned that UFCW Canada’s growth agenda has remained undeterred by the COVID-19 pandemic, with thousands of workers choosing […]

Municipal employees at Town of Virden secure higher wages – UFCW 832

Virden, Man. – July 2, 2021 – After two long days of bargaining, UFCW 832 members working at the Town of Virden ratified a four-year collective bargaining agreement that provides major gains for members and their families. Highlights of the new contract include: A wage increase of 8.5 percent over four years, including retroactive pay. […]

Global unions raise awareness on regulations against workplace violence and harassment

Toronto – June 30, 2021 – Unions around the world are celebrating new international labour rules protecting the right to a workplace free from violence and harassment by launching a new toolkit aimed at raising awareness of the regulations. Recognizing that workers and unions face the risk of violence and harassment in the workplace on […]

Food retail members at Atlantic Superstore build a better life – UFCW 1288P

Moncton, N.B. – June 29, 2021 – UFCW Canada Local 1288P members working at Atlantic Superstore in New Brunswick have achieved a new collective agreement with several gains that will help members and their families build a better life. The five-year agreement covers UFCW 1288P members working at Atlantic Superstore locations in Atholville, Bathurst, Kennebecasis […]

Retail members at Indigo Square One achieve first contract – UFCW 1006A

Mississauga, Ont. – June 23, 2021 – UFCW Canada Local 1006A members working at the Chapters-Indigo bookstore at the Square One shopping centre in Mississauga, Ontario have ratified their first collective agreement. The members at the store voted to join the union last fall. Their first contract provides a number of important gains including annual raises, additional […]

BDM Scholarship recipient thankful for help throughout trying pandemic – UFCW 501

Montreal – June 21, 2021 – Dulce Vivar, Université de Montréal student of international cooperation, political science and economics is the latest recipient of the $1,000 prize granted to members and their family through UFCW Canada’s BDM scholarship award. “At this time in the pandemic equipment like laptops, headphones and microphones are crucial to academic […]

CLC Convention concludes with historic election of all-women slate

Ottawa – June 18, 2021 – Newly-elected CLC President Bea Bruske and members of Team Unite humbly accepted victory as thousands of delegates at the CLC 29th Constitutional Convention elected the Team to strenghten and unite Canada’s labour movement. View the full article here.

UFCW Canada poised to lead at the CLC’s 29th Constitutional Convention

Ottawa – June 16, 2021 – With a historic number of registered delegates, UFCW Canada members are ready to get to work on shaping the agenda of Canada’s labour movement in unprecedented times. UFCW Canada is proud to endorse the Team Unite slate of Bea Bruske for CLC President, Lily Chang for CLC Secretary-Treasurer, and Siobhan Vipond […]

Celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21

Toronto – June 14, 2021 – Canadians are called to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, culture and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples on National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21. It is also an important time for non-Indigenous peoples in Canada to learn more about the role settlers have played in […]

UFCW Canada endorses Larry Rousseau for CLC Executive Vice President

Toronto – June 11, 2021 – UFCW Canada is pleased to endorse Larry Rousseau for CLC Executive Vice President – a role that he has proudly served in since 2017. Larry has a long history of labour activism, from helping union members as a shop steward to serving as the Regional Executive Vice-President of the […]

UFCW Canada hosts Fifth Annual National Indigenous Rights Conference

Toronto – June 9, 2021 – Approximately 75 Indigenous members, leaders, and allies gathered online to take part in UFCW Canada’s Fifth Annual National Indigenous Rights Conference. The 2021 conference theme was “Grounding Our Indigenous Spirit” and called upon participants to reflect on the diverse ways Indigenous rights are embedded in activism, culture, language, and […]

Faster Together coalition encourages Canadians to get vaccinated as soon as they can

Ottawa – June 2, 2021 – UFCW Canada has partnered with the Faster Together coalition – a national task force aimed at encouraging Canadians to get vaccinated as soon as they can. The task force, made up of various civil society organizations, has launched the campaign Faster Together to overcome vaccine hesitancy, which according to […]

UFCW Canada releases Pandemic Bargaining Guide

Toronto – May 25, 2021 – At the beginning of the pandemic UFCW Canada initiated a project to collect COVID-19 related collective bargaining language. The objective of this project was to gather and then share language in a guide to assist bargaining committees with the most relevant language in negotiations to protect workers in recent […]

UFCW Canada observes Asian Heritage Month

May marks the celebration of Asian Heritage Month, a time when we recognize the invaluable contributions of people of Asian descent to Canada’s social, political, economic, scientific, and cultural landscape. It is also a moment in which we acknowledge the resistance of people of Asian descent in Canadian history. This year, we are observing Asian […]

Job-Protected Leave For Workers to Get COVID-19 Vaccine

The B.C. Provincial Government announced improvements under the Employment Standards Act that includes the introduction of job-protected leave to allow Part-time and Full-time workers the ability to take the time needed to travel and receive the vaccine or to take a dependent family member to receive the vaccine without fear of losing their job. "Workers […]

UFCW Canada BDM Scholarship Deadline Extended to October 16

As college and university students begin the new school year while also grappling with the challenges presented by COVID-19, UFCW Canada has extended the deadline for this year’s BDM Scholarship program to give members and their family members more time to apply for the $1,000 union scholarship. “During these difficult times, our union wants to […]

Sept. 30 deadline! 2 weeks left to win 2 iPads and $18,000 in scholarships

With two weeks left to apply for the 2020 UFCW Canada – BDM Scholarship program, time is running out for your chance to win one of 18 scholarships worth $1,000 each, or one of two Apple iPads. Each year, UFCW Canada offers 18 UFCW Canada – BDM Scholarships to active members and their family members […]

Labour Day 2020: Working Together, We Will Come Out of COVID Stronger

Each year in September, workers, union activists, and our community allies join together on Labour Day to celebrate the hard-fought gains of working people and to advocate for improvements to the lives of all Canadians.  This proud and storied tradition dates back more than a century, and through it all workers and their families have […]

Canada’s COVID-19 Recovery Must Include Women

The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on workers and families across the country, but in many ways it has been women who have faced the brunt of the pandemic’s economic fallout. A July report by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) found that Canada has been shaken by a recession unlike any other. The recession […]

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