Talking Union
"Talking Union" in Schools and Employment Centres
Talking Union is one of UFCW Canada's most rewarding program. It helps our generation become more aware of the world as it is, not how a few parents or the media make it out to be.
The purpose of Talking Union is to educate students about their rights at work. We inform them about unions and how they help workers. Most young people do not know very much about unions and when people do not understand something they tend to fear it.
When I left high school, I imagined that I would be the head of some major corporation, because I was not aware that there were other ways to be 'successful' in life. Now I have found my true calling, which is all about being involved in the union. I have been a member for eight years where I began as a retail worker for the Beer Store in Ontario.
As a young member wanting to get involved with my union, this program gave me the opportunity to prove myself and now I am a full-time organizer for UFCW Canada Local 1993. I am aware of another field of work where I can help make positive changes in the lives of people who work hard for a living, while stopping some of the injustices in our society today.
I have found that students today have a lot to say and do not want to be abused by authority or taken advantage of as workers. They want to do something about it but do not know where to begin. I have been presenting Talking Union seminars for about two years, and in almost every class I have spoke at, there are students who want to start a union in their workplace.
This world is as much ours as our parents' and it is up to us to improve it. We are the next generation and we need to make Canada a better country where workers are treated like people, not disposable 'production units'. It is our fight against corporate greed, and it is our duty to create a standard of living that was built by previous generations.
In solidarity,
Keith Murdoch
UFCW Canada Organizer
UFCW Canada has just finished another semester of outreach with the very successful Talking Union program. The program is currently operating in Ontario and Saskatchewan. Here are just a few comments from local area teachers who have utilized this program in their classrooms:
"Thanks so much for a great presentation. The kids were really interested in all you have to say - I could tell they were really involved by the discussion and questions they asked. Hope we can call on you again next year! " ~ Ms Hawley
"Excellent workshop, lots of involvement by the students. The students learnt a lot." ~ Ms Good
"Thank you so much for visiting our co-op classes yesterday. While teachers can present materials laid out in text, it is valuable for students to hear from those who have experienced the world like our presenter. Our students are now aware that the workplace is not always a happy place, that they must be responsible for themselves, take action when necessary, and that there are resources, like UFCW Canada, available to them to assist should they have questions or concerns about their work experience." ~ Ms Hebor
"Just to let you know that our class listened to Ray Ramkhelowan's presentation which was very informative and interesting. He was very well received by the class because he has a great presence and he talked to the students, asked questions, and actively involved them in the presentation. The students were enriched by his presentation and I am requesting that he return to talk to my business students both in first and second semesters." ~ Arlene Martin, Heart Lake Secondary School.
If any UFCW Canada members are interested in taking part in the Talking Union training program can contact Chris at 416.675.1104 extension 268 or e-mail at youth@ufcw.ca.
To download the application, please click here.
For more information please contact our National Training and Education Department.
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