Julia Rankin, Local 247

Safeway
Burnaby, BC

I was born and raised in Burnaby, BC. into a hard working family where my father, brother, grandfather, and I, all became active in our local unions.

I was looking for a union job in the meat cutters local – Local 2000 at the time.  I went to the union office and asked for a list of unionized employers. From that list I chose to apply at the Woodwards head office.  I told them the union had sent me.

When they asked why, I told them that I wanted to work for a company that worked well with their union employees.  I got the job the very next day. That day was 30 years ago.

When Safeway purchased Woodwards Food, I was asked to be involved in the merger agreement, and have continued to be involved with collective agreements ever since.

Our union has opened doors for many women in non-traditional jobs like meat cutting. UFCW Canada has made a difference in the workplace, and in particular has assisted women and minorities, giving them a sense of having someone on their side, and giving them a sense of some job security.

At one time maternity leave was the only option for members. Now if a mother chooses to go back to work, there is Parental Leave available to the partner, and so employers no longer assume that the mother will stay home as the sole caregiver.  It is a step forward that family planning choices are now available.

What I see today is that women are not just working a job for extra part-time “pin money”.  The job is not only part of the need of families finances today, but also represents independence for them as well.

Women are now voicing their concerns in the work place and with their local unions, stronger than in years past.  UFCW Canada has always been there to listen, support and act on the concerns and issues of our Sisters.  I have been very proud to let our members know of the many women’s committees and supports that are part of the UFCW structure.

The young women of our local have many doors open to them now. I know that when others need opening, the Brothers and Sisters of UFCW Canada will be there with their shoulders to it.