UFCW activists build Power at Young Workers’ Conference

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Ottawa – May 27, 2019 – Young UFCW activists from across the country recently converged in Ottawa for the UFCW Canada Power 2019 Young Workers’ Conference, held from May 25 to 27. The conference provided an opportunity for members and allies to share new ideas and develop strategies for strengthening the country’s leading union for young workers.  

Over the course of three days, activists participated in exciting workshops and panel discussions focusing on election organizing, affordable education, union engagement, and strategies for building a more inclusive labour movement. Other panels at the conference explored how we can empower young worker voices on the job, and best practices for helping non-unionized workers gain the union advantage.

At the conference, participants heard from a wide range of guest speakers, including UFCW Canada National President Paul Meinema, who spoke about the power that young workers have to change their workplaces for the better.

“UFCW Canada has long been at the forefront of the labour movement when it comes to engaging young workers, and this conference is an important part of that work,” said President Meinema in his address to the conference. “As young activists, you have the power to shape the economic, social, and political landscape in this country for years to come. That is a huge responsibility, but I know you are up to the challenge,” he added.

In addition to President Meinema, conference attendees heard from Montreal City Councillor Rosannie Filato, UFCW Canada Special Assistant to the National President Mark Hennessy, Bilan Arte and Mojdeh Cox from the Canadian Labour Congress, Nour Alideeb and Kayla Weiler from the Canadian Federation of Students, and UFCW Canada National Representatives Gabriel Bako, Nathalie Vengal, Laura Peña, and Amanmeet Singh.

Conference-goers also took in presentations from fellow UFCW members and staff, who shared their experiences on building power in their workplaces and communities.

With over 40 percent of members under the age of 30, UFCW Canada is committed to empowering young members through industry-leading collective agreements, as well as key initiatives like the Young Workers Internship Program (YIP). To learn more about UFCW’s work in this area, visit the UFCW Canada Young Workers website.