2019 Bylaw & Policy Conference On May 4, 2019, more than 360 registered Stewards and Executive Board took part in the UFCW Locals 175 & 633 Bylaw & Policy Conference. This conference takes place every four years and is an opportunity for members to make proposals on their Union’s policies and procedures, and bylaws. In addition, the day featured presentations from President Haggerty, Secretary-Treasurer Kelly Tosato, and a number of guest speakers. UFCW International President Marc Perrone and UFCW International Secretary-Treasurer Shaun Barclay graciously assisted during registration to help get the Stewards all of their information and conference items. Following a traditional welcome by Wanda Whitebird of the Mi’kmaq nation Bear Clan, President Haggerty gave an in-depth presentation on what’s taken place at the Union over the last two years and what’s happening as we move forward. President Haggerty reinforced the Local’s commitment to servicing and negotiating strong collective agreements that include good wages, benefits, and working conditions, as well as better health and safety rights, anti-harassment and anti-violence policies, pension protection, and inclusive, gender-neutral language. In addition, he reported briefly on the work of each of the Union’s departments and committees as well.
Grievances
The Locals filed 4,493 in 2017 & 4,568 in 2018.
When it comes to helping workers win Union representation, President Haggerty spoke proudly of our Organizing Team, which boasts a 90% success rate despite employer-friendly legislation in this province. Over the last two years, our Team helped 3,112 new members from 37 workplaces gain the Union advantage as members of UFCW Locals 175 & 633. As our economy and industries shifted in the last two years, more than 780 members lost their jobs to closures. In addition, many members in the last two years have experienced layoffs and, especially in our retail workplaces, a drastic reduction in hours. The topic of politics took up a large part of President Haggerty’s presentation to the delegates. With a current provincial government that is decimating publicly funded programs, and an upcoming federal election too, it’s an
Summer 2019
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