UFCW International Convention - Checkout Fall 2023

The 9th Regular UFCW International Convention took place in Las Vegas the week of April 24, 2023.

The theme for the week was UFCW: A Better Future. Over the course of the convention, delegates were inspired and encouraged to keep up the fight for working people across the United States and Canada. President Perrone’s address to the convention focused on the key words, Essential, Value, Strength, and Future.

President Perrone lauded the strength and determination of UFCW members to face challenges and ensure our communities stayed fed and taken care of by every member who put their personal safety on the line during the pandemic.

Local 175 Secretary-Treasurer and Elections Committee co-chair Kelly Tosato led the Election of the International Executive and Board on day two. UFCW Local 175 President Shawn Haggerty was re-elected as International Vice-President from Canada. International President Marc Perrone, Secretary-Treasurer Shaun Barclay, and Executive Vice-Presidents Paul Meinema, Stuart Applebaum, Milton Jones were all re-elected as International Executive Vice-Presidents.

UFCW Canada National President Paul Meinema also spoke about the resilience of working people over the difficult last few years. President Meinema said he was “truly thankful to our entire membership, in both the U.S. and Canada, who never stopped being brave neighbours, pushing for better protections... and bringing fairness to workers.”

A number of inspiring guest speakers took to the stage as well, each with messages about overcoming challenges and keeping up the fight for good jobs and workers' rights no matter the political landscape. Working people who stand together can accomplish positive change.

Throughout the convention, delegates debated and voted on proposals and resolutions to advance our Union over the coming years. In particular, delegates were inspired to speak in favour of resolutions to further diversity, reconciliation, and social justice at UFCW.

“We must organize more; we will bargain harder; we will deliver improved value to our members. We will defeat any anti-union enemy; every group who wishes to weaken our union family and we will do this together,” said Perrone. “We are, this is, our UFCW. We will always stand together.”

“We are the UFCW. We have changed workers’ lives for the better again and again. We have made two nations more just, and we have helped make real and lasting change in our society,” added Perrone. “What we do matters, not just today but every day… thank you all for the difference you make to so many, and the absolute privilege to stand before you today.”