Workers at the Victoria Event Centre (VEC) voted overwhelmingly last night in favour of joining UFCW 1518, marking the first worker-led union certification in Victoria’s hospitality sector in decades. Lack of workplace standards, poor working conditions and sexual harassment were just some of the reasons VEC workers unionized, suggesting a shift in complacency about worker abuse in restaurants and bars. “The service industry has been changing rapidly while owners ...read more 

Last week, President Kim Novak joined Executive Board member Jennifer Vecchio on the job to learn firsthand about what UFCW 1518 members working in home support do on a daily basis. Vecchio has been working as a Community Home Support Worker and caring for clients in Nelson for over 35 years. “Shadowing Jennifer throughout her day was an amazing experience and opened my eyes to the truly inspiring work ...read more 

UFCW 1518 says the provincial government should mandate paid leave for workers experiencing domestic and sexual violence. The union joined the BC Federation of Labour in calling for changes to the Employment Standards Act to ensure all workers have the resources to leave a violent situation and the ability to pursue justice as well as needed supports and services without loss of pay. “BC is one of the only ...read more 

UFCW 1518 donated $5000 worth of grocery gift cards to Unite Here Local 40, whose members have been on strike for more almost three weeks. Widespread sexual harassment coupled with unlivable wages prompted 1200 workers at four major Vancouver hotels to walk off the job in September. As revenues at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Pinnacle Harbourfront, Hyatt Regency and Westin Bayshore have soared in the most profitable hospitality industry ...read more 

As we approach the last long weekend of the summer, we will all be celebrating Labour Day and the tireless activism of those in the labour movement who fight to improve the lives of all working people. The history of our movement and the battles fought led to improved rights like the basic work week, parental leave, weekends and more. All of this happened because workers collectively stood together ...read more