Richelle Stewart

I truly love seeing our members who are new to union activism using their voices! Thank you Veronique!! #unionstrong #newvoices #memberspotlight #ufcw Repost from @ufcw401 Véronique Caron, though relatively new to activism within her union, has jumped right in to the fray as a member of her Superstore union bargaining committee. During the challenges she and her coworkers have faced during this global pandemic, she realizes that a voice at the table with her employer durin...g contract talks is key to keeping people safe. Putting my life on the line to ensure our customers can care for their families gives me a sense of purpose, she says proudly. It makes me feel like I’m making a difference. The world is finally waking up to the value that food workers bring to our lives, and you are all making a difference. We could not be prouder to fight for, and walk with, frontline workers during these uncertain times. To me, being essential means, without the valuable work that we do, people would be without basic necessities, she says. We could not agree more, Véronique. Thank you, and everyone on the frontlines. #MemberMonday #UFCW #401Solidarity

Your union is fighting against FreshCo injustices to ensure that our Safeway union members' rights are being respected and they have the time and information to make informed decisions about their future. Read our latest update here: https://mailchi.mp//urgent-your-union-is-fighting-against- #ufcw #canlab #safeway #freshco

Union blocks entrance to Olymel Red Deer Meat Plant! Earlier this week, Olymel announced it would be temporarily closing its Red Deer Plant in order to get the outbreak facing employees under control. This was a step that over 90% of Olymel members had told us they wanted to see happen. And we worked diligently to ensure the concerns of our members were heard by the Company and the public. Olymel indicated that it had ceased operations at the end of day yesterday, said Unio...n President Thomas Hesse. But we decided to visit the Plant early this morning to make sure that had happened and that our members were safe. The pressure exerted by the union movement and UFCW Local 401 resulted in an agreement from the Company to close its Plant that is unprecedented. You may be wondering why your union decided to do this. There are several reasons. Firstly, action and visibility are essential to the representation we provide our members. No union worth its salt sits in its offices all day, said Hesse. Under leadership from Richelle and I, your union is going to be visible and with our membership while practicing social distancing and adhering to all public health protocols to ensure everyone’s safety. We’re not going to watch working conditions from afar. Your union also does what our members tell us to do. Again, over 90% of Olymel members indicated they wanted to see their workplace close temporarily. And we are firmly committed to the idea that an open, transparent, and democratic union does what its members tell it to do. If union members prefer a more passive approach, then we’ll have a more passive approach, said Secretary Treasurer Richelle Stewart. Conversely, if our union members prefer a more aggressive approach, then we’ll take a more aggressive approach. But we’ll always find a way to be a fighting union. Finally, events like those we coordinated at Olymel yesterday and today are about sending a message to politicians, policymakers, corporations, and the whole world that our members will have a voice and will not be invisible during this pandemic. Whether you work at Superstore, JBS, Civeo, Sofina, Safeway, Cargill, casinos or healthcare workplaces, or any of our other workplaces, your union will stand with you and we will fight for you no matter what. At the end of the day, we have a fighting leadership that will mirror the sentiment, passion, and unity of our members, said President Hesse.

Today marks the first day of the shutdown at Olymel. I sat and reflected on my role as a leader today and I am grateful for the opportunity to keep our members safe when they go to work. We will still be here for you when you get back! #besafe #bekind #ufcw #olymel

Thinking of all our members on the front lines, doing the essential work on which so many people are relying. Please be safe and look out for one another. It is more important than ever right now.

A very happy Diwali to all those celebrating. Wishing peace, prosperity, happiness, health, and success in your life.

Your Superstore Bargaining Committee ran into some roadblocks with negotiations in September and October, which is to be expected. The most challenging part of negotiations is often when the employer introduces arbitrary and authoritarian policies or proposals. Loblaws should be measuring all disciplines against the high-stress environment created by COVID-19, and using that backdrop to mitigate their approach. Unfortunately, that is not what Loblaws has done.... Read the full update: https://gounion.ca//its-time-to-bring-pandemic-pay-back-a/ Help make sure that when we head back to the bargaining table, Loblaws knows that this is not an issue they can dodge. #ufcw #canlab

Our members are just trying to do their jobs safely. They could use your help.

What Remembrance Day Means for Workers It’s Remembrance Day. All of us will reflect on this important day in different ways. For some, we will recall a friend or loved one who served, or who is serving. For some, they will recall someone who died or was injured, or forever affected by combat upon their return home. Others will reflect on history itself, or contemplate their personal philosophy about politics and conflict.... However, as you pause and reflect, all of us, and working people in particular, enjoy certain important rights because of the sacrifice of others. Workers and union members stand on the shoulders of the service of all who have acted with bravery in our history. Please reflect with us today on these important themes and join with us in honouring those who fight and struggle, and who have fought and struggled for justice.