UFCW 1400 members at Saskatoon Co-op raise funds for community members in need

Saskatoon, Sask. – March 7, 2019 – Striking UFCW Local 1400 members at Saskatoon Co-op recently raised thousands of dollars for community members in need, as workers on the picket line decided to dig deep to support the Kinsmen Foundation’s Telemiracle fundraiser.

The picketers worked together to raise $2,000 for Telemiracle, a live televised charity event that raises funds to provide special needs equipment and access to medical assistance to Saskatchewan residents in need. They presented their donation on-stage at the event.

 “We are here representing all the amazing picketers who are out in the brutal cold every day to fight for the future generation of Saskatoon Co-op workers,” UFCW 1400 member Vina told the audience. “We decided to dig deep into our empty pockets to support the amazing Telemiracle cause, which we are all so proud to be a part of. This cheque is from us to you guys,” she added, before presenting a cheque for $2,000 to Telemiracle host Andrea Menard.

“I am extremely proud of all the Saskatoon Co-op members who are not only walking the picket line every day to protect the integrity of their collective agreement, but also finding ways to support the residents of Saskatoon,” said Lucy Flack Figueiredo, the Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW Canada Local 1400. “Raising money when living on picket pay is not easy, but it is what the members wanted to do. They wanted to support others in need.”

Members at Saskatoon Co-op have been on strike since November 2018, fighting back against their employer’s abandonment of co-op principles like pay equity. The striking workers are asking for an equitable collective agreement that provides fair pay to all employees.

UFCW Canada is calling on members, activists, and allies to help workers at the Co-op by sending a message to Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada, Federated Co-op, and the Saskatoon Co-op Board of Directors. Tell them that a fair contract means real compromise and an equitable agreement that provides fair pay for all Saskatoon Co-op employees. Act now by sending a message today!