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Toronto – May 5, 2017 – UFCW Canada recently participated in the Urban Worker Project's #SkillShareTO panel discussion on the changing reality of work and the new economy in Canada.

Independent workers, freelancers, artists, and activists converged at Centennial College's Story Centre in Toronto to share their experiences of dealing with new trends in the working world, such as the rise of contract and precarious work. Participants also examined innovative ways to achieve better working conditions.

UFCW Canada National Representative Zenee Maceda was on hand to participate in the panel and discuss some of the benefits of unionization. She spoke about the gains that UFCW has been able to win for members through collective bargaining, and emphasized the fact that workers can achieve great things when they band together.

"As labour activists and workers, we need to be active participants in these types of conversations, because the potential for unionizing workers in modern workplaces – some of which are redefining our notions of work – is an amazing opportunity for UFCW and the labour movement as a whole," said Sister Maceda.  

The Toronto Skill Share event was part of a series of events that were hosted by the Urban Worker Project in communities across the country.

Co-founded by former Member of Parliament Andrew Cash, the Urban Worker Project aims to give a stronger voice to the growing number of independent workers in Canada by advocating for stronger labour rights and protections, improved access to health and dental benefits, and better pay. To learn more about the Urban Worker Project, click here.