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An affiliate profile: United Food and Contntercial Workers (UFCW)

When workers take control over their lives

When a group of members rebelled during the math class at the United Food and Commercial Workers' Winnipeg Training Centre, the union trainers had an unusual reaction. They were happy.

Education program at UFCW Local 832
Training Centre in Winipeg

"It was the most beautiful news," said Jorge Garcia-Orgales, UFCW National Literacy Coordinatar. "These members were in the middle of a labour adjustment program. They had lost heart because Maple Leaf was closing and they were losing their jobs."

"Suddenly, here they were, taking control of their environment. That's exactly what the union's approach to foundation skills training is all about - helping workers gain control over their lives."

The union started foundation skills training in 1990 as part of its National Training Program. It believes that to function in today's global economy and highly technological world, members need more than the ability to read and write. They need math, computer literacy and verbal communications skills. They need to be able to think critically, problem solve and analyze their social and economic environment to anticipate the changes that might affect them.

''All the training and education that the UFCW provides is designed to empower our members," said Mike Fraser, the union's Canadian Director.

Learning every day

The union's philosophy is that it's never too late to learn, and learning should be a lifelong endeavour.

"Many of us have not had the chance to fully develop foundation skills because of leaving school early, or because there have been too few opportunities to use them in our jobs," said Janet Dassinger, the former Director of Policies and Program for the National Training Program. "We have been busy working, raising our families, and being active in our union and community."

The...National Training Program encourages participation with employers in sector councils and the development of umon trammg centres.

There's no question that the eight UFCW training centres are having an impact. Their programs in union activism, foundation skills, job and workplace skills, employability skills and labour adjustment are in high demand.

In Winnipeg, for example, the centre forged an agreement with the school board to offer credits for Grade 12. Organizers were expecting about 12 people, but 70 signed up.

In British Columbia, Local 2000's training centre opened in 1992 and started out with 40 to 50 participants. "Now we have over 500 a year" said Kelly Sinclair, the centre's director and winner of the 1998 Flight for Freedom Literacy Award.