UFCW Canada Saskatchewan Women convene

UFCW Canada women from Local Unions across Saskatchewan recently convened in Saskatoon for the UFCW Canada Local 1400 Women’s Conference, held March 12 and 13. The conference not only celebrated the 100th Anniversary of International Women’s Day (IWD), but also UFCW Canada women, through the theme of this year’s conference — Celebrating Our Strengths Through Our Diversity.

The conference, held at Local 1400’s training centre, brought together a total of 36 UFCW Canada women members and staff from Locals Unions 248P, 342P, 649, and 1400. A number of workshops were held over the two-day conference including: a review of women’s achievements over the last 100 years; how women can take increasingly active roles in their workplace, their union and their communities; and using communication, conflict resolution, and nurturing skills to make one’s own life, and the lives of others better and stronger.

Attendees also heard first-hand from Sister Caroline Wilkinson about the ongoing lockout at her workplace, XL Foods. Sister Wilkinson also spoke about her experience working as a woman in a workplace where most of the workers are men.

Nancy Quiring, Regional Director, Western Provinces, UFCW Canada, as well as UFCW Canada Women’s Advisory Committee Chair brought greetings on behalf of UFCW Canada National President Wayne Hanley. Sister Quiring then brought the conference up to speed about a number of UFCW Canada national initiatives and campaigns including Wal-Mart, the AWA, diversity outreach initiatives to temporary workers and new Canadians, growing the union, and webCampus to name a few. Her presentation concluded with specific new programs, media and publications developed for women by the Advisory Committee and the National Office.

“More than half of UFCW Canada members are women,” says Sister Quiring. “The Saskatchewan Women’s Conference is great annual opportunity to stay focused on the importance of solidarity as women members. And not just for us, but for the whole union, by using our strength to ensure a better workplace and future for all of us.”