Saskatoon, Sask. – March 11, 2025 – UFCW Local 1400 hosted its 19th Annual Women’s Conference on March 7-8, 2025, bringing together dozens of UFCW activists from across Saskatchewan, representing UFCW Local 1400, UFCW Local 248P, and UFCW Local 649. The annual conference provides a platform to discuss issues, share experiences, and develop skills for personal and professional empowerment.
UFCW Canada Executive Assistant to the National President, Anouk Collet, shared insights into the ongoing campaigns and initiatives that UFCW Canada is currently advocating for, while also adding another important layer to the ongoing story of UFCW women in the workforce. The conference also featured influential speakers, including Ashlee Hicks from the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and Rachel Loewen Walker, the NDP candidate for the Saskatoon West Federal Riding. Both speakers emphasized the advocacy needed for members of marginalized groups and discussed the unique vulnerabilities faced by women who experience multiple forms of intersectionality.
“The energy in the room at this year’s conference was nothing short of electrifying,” says UFCW 1400 President Lucy Figueiredo-Flack. “It’s a reminder that even in the most challenging times, women continue to inspire and drive change. We refuse to back down, and together, we lift each other up, creating a stronger, more resilient community. The power of our voices is unstoppable and it’s clear that the future will be shaped by the courage and determination of UFCW activists.”
A highlight of this year’s conference was a workshop on Bystander Intervention, led by UFCW Canada National Coordinator for Human Rights, Equity, and Diversity, Emmanuelle Lopez-Bastos. In this session, participants engaged in critical discussions about identifying biases and the factors that contribute to escalating violence in the workplace. Through self-reflection and group work, attendees explored their comfort levels as bystanders and developed strategies for intervention and de-escalation when necessary.
This year’s conference provided a space where first-time attendees and women who have shaped the event over the last 20 years could embrace the power of our stories while supporting one another. Next year’s conference will celebrate its 20th anniversary.
UFCW Canada Local 1400 represents thousands of workers across Saskatchewan in a wide variety of industries, including retail food, food processing, security, industrial, and transportation sectors.