Huge Success

UFCW 5's 2009 Stewards Conference!

On July 28th stewards from all areas retail to agriculture gathered together at the Holiday Inn in San Jose to attend the 2009 UFCW 5 Stewards Conference. The day was filled with educational speakers, information and performances that energized our members about being a steward for local 5.

The conference started out with a speech from our President/ International VP Ron Lind. Following President Lind our International President Joseph Hansen and International Director of Organizing Patrick O'Neill spoke to the members on the activities of our International Union and the struggles our brothers & sisters are having in other parts of our country. They spoke on the importance of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) and National Health Care Reform. They spoke on the importance of the letters stewards have been asked to write/collect to send to Senator Diane Feinstein in California to address these two important issues.

In the afternoon members were eager to ask questions to President Lind regarding various issues from our current Pension situation to other issues that were of importance to them or fellow co-workers.

The day was filled with other speakers throughout the day, Katie Quan from the UC Berkley Labor Center, Fred Ross- Union Activist and a performance of the, " Harry Bridges Project- From Wharf Rats to Lord of the Docks"- Ian Ruskin.

Throughout the conference Stewards were awarded with the

"UFCW Local 5 Shining Star Award"

They received a Shining Star pin and certificate. Stewards that exhibited Superb Union Activism and Dedication throughout the year were recognized for their union activism. Among the recipients were Stewards that worked on the Obama Campaign for the 2008 Presidential Election.

Thank you for all your dedication, Keep up the hard work!

There was something for everyone and we are happy to hear and see that everyone had a educational, fun filled day!

If you weren't able to make it this year please contact your Union Representative or Laurie Mesa Local 5's Shop Steward Coordinator for information that was distributed.

Solidarity Forever! See you next year!