Vancouver – August 5, 2025 – The Young Workers Internship Program (YIP), UFCW Canada’s premier training and leadership development initiative for young members, made its western stop in Vancouver this summer, continuing to ignite passion and purpose among the next generation of union activists.

This latest week-long YIP session brought together young UFCW members from across British Columbia and Alberta, from Locals 247, 401 and 1518, to explore the fundamentals of the labour movement through engaging workshops, hands-on activities, and solidarity-building discussions. Participants dove into topics like labour history, workers’ rights, equity and inclusion, political action, and effective organizing strategies.

One of the standout moments of the session was the lively mock bargaining exercise, where participants took on the roles of union and management to simulate the dynamics of negotiating a collective agreement. The exercise not only sharpened their skills but gave real insight into the power of collective voice.

“My experience at YIP 2025 was incredibly rewarding,” says UFCW 1518 member Kartik Manchanda. “I gained valuable knowledge in areas such as collective bargaining, lobbying, labour law, and the power of unions. It was an honour to learn alongside a group of passionate young workers committed to making positive change in their workplaces. I highly recommend this program to my coworkers—it offers not only essential skills but also the opportunity to develop strong leadership qualities.”

The Young Workers Internship Program is a cornerstone of UFCW Canada’s ongoing efforts to foster leadership, political engagement, and solidarity among its youngest members. The 2025 tour now moves to Quebec for the last session of the summer.

Since its launch in 2000, YIP has supported hundreds of young members in becoming confident leaders and active change-makers in the labour movement. Learn more about YIP here, and be sure to follow the journey on Facebook and Instagram.