UFCW Canada youth activists bring their passion to Atlantic YIP
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Back row (l-r):Yves Leger (Local 1288P), Corey Ross (Local 864), Paige Ryan (Local 1252), Jason Collins (Local 1252). Middle Row: (l-r): Jeremy Eadle (Local 1288P), Chad Furlong, Andrea Short , Katie Tucker, David Chafe (all Local 1252). |
UFCW Canada young activist members from across Eastern Canada gathered in Memramcook, New Brunswick for the 2011 Atlantic Regional session of the Youth Internship Program (YIP). The fourteen participants — from UFCW Canada Local 1252 in Newfoundland, Local 1288P in New Brunswick and Local 864 in Nova Scotia — got together October 2-7, to learn more about their union and the important role it plays in their workplace and community.
During the week-long session the youth members expanded their activist vision and skills through workshops including how to be an effective steward and activist in their workplace, and the impact that corporate Globalization has on their daily experiences as workers and community members.
One issue that generated a lot of discussion was the exploitation facing migrant and temporary foreign workers. The Atlantic YIP participants expressed their solidarity with the thousands of workers who toil on Canadian farms — pledging to raise awareness in their communities about the issue. As one of the participants commented, “it’s a shame that these types of injustices, which aren’t far removed from slavery, still exist within Canada.
National representatives Enver Harbans and Pablo Godoy facilitated the Atlantic Regional YIP. “I'm so proud of this group for their commitment to learning new concepts, respecting each other’s opinions and participating in the course with energy and passion,” said Brother Harbans.
The Atlantic Regional gathering was the final YIP session for 2011. Dates for YIP 2012 will be published at www.ufcw.ca/youth once they are finalized.