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Dozens of volunteers served burgers and refreshments to hundreds of Unifor members in the Calgary area at the union's third annual Stampede BBQ. Many of the members who stopped by did so on their lunch break from workplaces nearby.
"These membership appreciation events are about getting outside and enjoying some summer weather with fellow Unifor members," said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle. "Solidarity among working people is more important than ever in Alberta right now, and we're going all-in on unity."
Russ McIvor & the Turnem' Loose Band delighted participants with classic country hits and country and western props were a hit with families who wanted to pose with wagon wheels and hay bales.
"These family events are a reminder that Unifor has a role inside and outside the workplace. Bargaining isn't our only core function: we're also a union committed to communities," said Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer Len Poirier. "Volunteers are the backbone of these successful events, and I want to personally thank the education workers who were here today."
Most of the volunteers hailed from Local 1990, whose members have been nearby all week learning campaign tactics for the fall separation referendum in Alberta.
First-time union volunteer Amable Pardinas said there was a fun energy to the whole barbecue and said the light-hearted family event was a perfect complement to the more serious mobilizing issues discussed at the training.
"I'm having a lot of fun meeting other members today. It is similar to what we will need to do in this referendum: meet Unifor members and discuss what we have in common, which is good jobs and a strong and united Canada."
Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi joined members at the BBQ and shared some remarks about the importance of mobilizing the pro-Canada and pro-Immigrant vote against a motivated anti-Canada minority.
