Organizing course inspires women in Western Canada

Edmonton – April 22, 2017 – UFCW Canada sisters from across Western Canada recently gathered in Edmonton to participate in a week-long "Organizing Training for Women Activists" course.

The course brought women activists together from UFCW Canada Locals 247, 1518, 401, 1118, and 1400 to take an in-depth look at organizing in their communities with a gender and equity lens. The workshop also provided participants with resources and know-how to counter anti-union campaigns.

Participants developed their organizing skills through practical, role-playing exercises designed to build confidence when explaining labour rights to workers seeking to bring a union to their workplace. 

"I think it's important for women and people of different cultures to take up space in their union and learn how the union can really help them at work," said workshop participant and UFCW Canada Local 1118 member Harman Takhar. "This course really helped me gain more knowledge on how I can communicate the great things that my union has done for me,” she added.

Facilitated by the UFCW Canada National Office, the course also equips activists with organizing strategies that incorporate inclusive approaches and perspectives to overcome equity barriers.

To learn more about UFCW Canada's advocacy for women, visit www.ufcw.ca/women.