New “Organizing for Women Activists” course builds strength and fairness in core industries

Toronto – November 24, 2013 – As Canada’s leading and most progressive union, UFCW Canada recently launched a new course dedicated to building equality, fairness and workplace standards in the union’s core industries.

Facilitated by the national office, the new course – called “Organizing for Women Activists” – included UFCW Canada Sisters from Local Unions representing members in every region of the country.

Throughout the five-day course, participants discussed the essential role that collective bargaining plays in creating more equity in the workplace and a higher standard of living in our communities. Specific attention was also placed on women’s perspectives, which brought the challenges and benefits of women organizing women into focus.

“Women in Canada continue to make 68 cents for every dollar that a man makes, and UFCW Canada is fighting this injustice every time another workplace is organized,” says Nancy Quiring, chairperson of the UFCW Canada National Council Women’s Committee. “And when we consider that many of the country’s fastest growing industries – including retail – are made possible through the efforts of women workers, focusing on empowering and organizing women is the reason why this new course is so essential to building the voice of our union, and through that, more fairness for women workers and their families.”