Canada's leading union recognized by Cuban labour movement

Havana, Cuba  – June 20, 2014 – UFCW Canada has been honoured with the 75^th Anniversary Seal of the Workers Central Union of Cuba (CTC), the central labour body in Cuba, in recognition of our union's support for and solidarity with the CTC.

The 75^th Anniversary Seal is the highest honour that can be awarded to a labour organization by the CTC. It is embossed with an image of Lázaro Peña Gonzalez, the founder of the CTC who is considered to be a hero by many Cuban workers and their unions. Recently, the Lázaro Peña Gonzalez Labour School in Havana was reconstructed with financial support from UFCW Canada. The Labour School is where union stewards and activists from across Cuba gather for training and education.

For many years, UFCW Canada has been working closely with Cuba’s unions, particularly those that represent workers in the food, tourism, and commerce sectors. The partnership is one of equity, friendship, and humility, in which the CTC and UFCW Canada exchange information and training on best practices in collective bargaining, conflict resolution, and membership servicing.

"UFCW Canada is truly honoured to receive this award," says Paul Meinema, UFCW Canada's National President. "Building a strong labour movement with our sisters and brothers around the world, in countries such as Cuba and Bangladesh, is what makes our union a leader in the global movement for social justice and workers' rights," Brother Meinema adds.