OUR TEAM boldly moves forward

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Chicago – August 13, 2013 – On Tuesday, the second day of the UFCW 7th Regular Convention, the more than 2,500 delegates convening in Chicago proudly endorsed the tremendous leadership of the UFCW “Our Team” slate and its service to the membership by unanimously re-electing International President Joe Hansen and the four other members of the International Executive Committee for another term. The Executive Committee members — UFCW’s highest elected officers — include UFCW Canada National President Wayne Hanley, who was re-elected as one of three International Executive Vice Presidents on the committee led by International President Hansen.

“Thank you for your support, and most of all the great work you do for our 1.3 million members in Canada and the United States,” said Brother Hansen to the convention. “I am excited — along with the rest of our team — to continue building the best union in North America. We should all be proud of the way we work together. We have built a foundation for success.  It is now up to us to build on that foundation.”

Following a standing ovation for the International President, Brother Hansen then introduced Ken Georgetti, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “There is no border when it comes to solidarity,” said Brother Georgetti to the assembly, “and your great union is evidence of that. Just like UFCW here, UFCW and TUAC Canada are a driving force for social justice and fairness in Canada — for their members and for all working families.”

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka was later joined by Brother Georgetti to conduct the swearing-in ceremony of the International Officers. International solidarity continued, as Thomas Mulcair, NDP Leader and Leader of The Official Opposition, was welcomed to address the convention on pushing back the Ultra-Conservative anti-worker movement in Canada through political and community action.  “Thanks to UFCW Canada for leading the way to stop the spread of anti-worker legislation,” said Brother Mulcair. “The attack on workers must be turned around, and by sticking together, it will be.”

The UFCW 7th Regular Convention concludes on August 16. Follow ufcw.ca for daily convention updates.