Your fight is our fight: A letter of support for OPSEU members on strike
October 20, 2017
Dear Sisters, Brothers and Friends of OPSEU’s College Academic Division,
I’m writing to express support for your strike on behalf of the more than 70,000 Members of the United Food & Commercial Workers Union Canada (UFCW) Locals 175 & 633. Going on strike is always a difficult choice and we stand in solidarity with you.
Local 175 represents food and building service workers on several of the college campuses affected by this strike. Our Members engage with the faculty staff every day and see the hard work and dedication that they provide. In addition, it is true that our Members face the issue of precarious work in their jobs as well. Our Union strongly supports the Members of OPSEU in taking on that fight.
The issues your Members face regarding job security resonate with us. We have seen the push for low wages and no job security across the board, and we pledge to challenge it in every way.
UFCW continues to tackle the issues of precarious employment, low wages, and no job security across all employment sectors, from retail to hospitality, and health care to industrial. By supporting one another through these challenges, I know we will make conditions better for all workers.
Your fight is our fight. We offer our support in your struggle to achieve a fair workplace contract.
In solidarity,
Shawn Haggerty
President
UFCW Local 175