Messages from your President & Secretary-Treasurer
President Tosato’s Message – Summer 2026
Recognizing the power of being a Union member in the face of challenges
On the heels of the 2026 CLC Convention, which you can read more about here, I’ve come away with a reinvigorated sense of Union pride. That’s what spending a week alongside 2,200 other workers’ rights advocates will do; give you hope and energy in the face of non-stop challenges that working people are going through.
And we do continue to face challenges. But sitting amongst peers in the house of labour is always an important demonstration of just how much power there is in the Union and in democracy.
That power is yours as Union members.
It comes from having 70,000 Union Sisters, Brothers, and Friends across this Local Union; from having 230,000 UFCW family members across Canada, and; from having the support of more than 3 million union members nation-wide.
This province — this country — doesn’t move forward without the labour and productivity of working people every day.
That’s power.
But that power is only as strong as our support and advocacy for one another.
We must always be looking for ways to help workers achieve more, and raise all people up, and stop looking for ways to tear each other down. Because even though when one rises, we all rise, the same can also be said for setbacks. When any worker suffers, we all suffer; when one workers’ rights are threatened, it’s a threat to us all.
Your power as a Union member shows up in many ways.
Recognize the power that sits in your hands when you hold your collective agreement.
Call on that power when your employer breaches that agreement.
Recognize the power of your vote — whether you’re casting a ballot for a new collective agreement, sanctioning strike action, or electing government at any level.
Use that power to have your voice heard no matter the outcome.
Recognize the power you have when you use your voice, backed by Union members in this Local Union and beyond, to stand up to mistreatment in all its forms.
Fire up that power to make sure that no worker gets left behind.
Believing that all workers deserve stable living wages, safe and healthy workplaces, and equitable treatment is not political — it’s human. So, we have to remain steadfast and united as a powerful movement. We cannot let any employer, corporation, or government trample on or erode any workers’ rights; to do this is a betrayal of what the Union movement stands for.
Please enjoy a safe and healthy summer filled with warm weather, good friends, and family. I hope to see many of you out celebrating your Union power at Labour Day on September 7.
In Solidarity,
Kelly Tosato
president@ufcw175.com
Secretary-Treasurer McLean’s Message – Summer 2026
Education as a tool to build a stronger Union: Opportunities available to you as a member
With another year of our weekend Stewards seminars in the books, I have been encouraged by the level of dedication and commitment our Stewards continue to show in defending their co-workers, upholding workers’ rights, and being incredible ambassadors for your Local Union.
Your Local Union supports lifelong education for our members. We work hard to ensure there are opportunities not only to get involved and learn about the Union, workers’ rights, and the larger labour movement, but to support our members’ educational goals through scholarships and free online courses as well.
Visit ufcw175.com/education to learn more about what’s available to you as a member.
Education in all its forms is vital to building a strong, engaged, and active Union of empowered members who are looking out for each other.
And education doesn’t have to mean sitting in a classroom day after day. Your collective agreement is an opportunity for education: it is a powerful tool when everyone understands what’s contained within its language. If you haven’t read yours, I encourage you to do so.
Ask questions of your Stewards, your JHSC, and your Union Rep. Because informing yourself is the best way to ensure you know if your rights are being violated at work and what to do when it happens.
Engagement also comes in many forms. From taking on the role of Steward or Health & Safety Representative, to attending meetings and ratifications, your role in the Union is important no matter how you get involved.
Whether you’re a new member just learning about what a Union is and what it means to you as a worker, or a long-time member, your Union membership, just like many things, is ultimately what you make of it.
And regardless of your involvement, you always have your Union at your back, supporting you and looking out for you.
In the last issue of Checkout, President Tosato announced the first-ever Member Engagement Conference, which will be happening this fall.
With that announcement came a call for members to apply as part of the conference planning committee. And now, with the Member Engagement Committee selected, applications are open to attend the conference. Head to ufcw175.com/engage to learn more and apply.
Educated, empowered, and engaged Union members are a powerful force to be reckoned with and we can’t wait to welcome a great group of members to this first-ever Engagement Conference! Until then, have a great summer and stay Union strong.
In Solidarity,
Jim McLean
treasurer@ufcw175.com