Secretary-Treasurer's Message: Checkout Fall 2022

I was happy to see many smiling faces at Labour Day this year. It felt good to be back to seeing each other in person, marching alongside each other, and sharing stories over a picnic table.

Labour Day is a celebration of our successes as a movement for workers’ rights and our gains at every bargaining table that help improve the lives of our members. A celebration of the enduring solidarity and strength of our membership.

The resilience of the members of our incredible Union kept this country moving during a time of fear and uncertainty. There were no CEOs standing on production lines day after day; no shareholders holding the hands of clients in long-term care; no billionaires standing behind grocery checkouts, stocking shelves, delivering goods, or doing any of the dayto-day tasks that provide goods and services for the people.

As we continue to face a provincial government set on driving a wedge between different groups of working people, we have to remember that a gain for any worker is a good thing. Don’t let politicians at any level, or employers for that matter, corrupt that message; because a win for any worker is a win for all of us.

Our lives and experiences shape each of us into very different people, and the diversity of those lives is an incredible strength. I am not just a worker. I am not just a mother. I am not just a woman. I am not just any one thing, and neither are any of our members. Our identities are complex and intersectional, and millions of people suffer because of oppressive and repressive systems and policies that exploit and disregard people based on aspects of their identity.

• Improve all workers’ rights provincially and federally;

• Enhance compensation and language gains in collective bargaining;

• Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples;

• End systemic racism and sexism, and gender-based discrimination;

• Eliminate violence and harassment, and;

• Much more.

As we go to press with this issue, the Ontario Superior Court began its hearing on the constitutional challenge against Bill 124. The work to overturn Bill 124, which suppresses the wages and collective bargaining rights of public sector workers – including a number of Members of UFCW Locals 175 & 633 – is another battle that your Union is proud to be a part of. While progress can take time, especially when the challenge involves the courts, every step forward is important.

I hope you enjoyed your summer and celebrated Labour Day among friends, family and co-workers.

In Solidarity,

Kelly Tosato treasurer@ufcw175.com