Secretary-Treasurer’s Report

By Deliana Speights

Stronger together: Building
an inclusive Labor Movement

I was honored to join UFCW
members and leadership from across
the United States and Canada this
past spring at the UFCW Women’s
Network 16th Biennial Convention.
The theme was “Agents of Change —
Voices of Power,” which resonates with all
of us in the Labor Movement. We
celebrated the leadership and impact of
women across the two countries. The
convention provided valuable
opportunities to connect, share ideas, learn
new skills, and strengthen leadership
abilities.

I look forward to serving my new term
as the International President of the
UFCW Women’s Network, along with
the Women’s Network Executive Board,
regional coordinators, and officers. We are
proud of the constitutional amendments
and resolutions adopted at the convention,
which strengthen the Women’s Network
and advance equity within UFCW. We
look forward to continuing that work
through future trainings and development
programs.

One important area where we can all
continue to grow is supporting members
and coworkers affected by domestic
violence. Recently in Las Vegas, our sisters and
brothers were shocked by an act of
domestic violence in a supermarket.
As union activists, we know that
every worker deserves dignity,
respect, safety and the freedom to
be their authentic selves.

UFCW Local 711 suffered the tragic loss
of Amanda Frias Rosas and Victor Frias
Rosas, members of our union who were
killed in a domestic violence shooting at
a Smith’s store in south Las Vegas in May.
UFCW Local 1428 office
Both of the victims were beloved
members of the community.
We offer our sincerest condolences to
their family, friends and coworkers and
thank the courageous shoppers who
apprehended the shooter and held him
until police could arrive.

It saddens everyone to realize this type
of horrific affair is becoming all too
common. It seems like a mass shooting or
violent domestic dispute can happen
anywhere at any time with no warning.
Whether you are experiencing
domestic violence yourself or want to learn
how to support someone who is, together
we can help ensure our workplaces are
informed, supportive and equipped with
resources that can make a difference in
someone’s life.

Commitment to inclusion
UFCW recently recognized Pride
Month and Juneteenth to reflect on the
ongoing challenges facing LGBTQ+
communities while reaffirming our
commitment to solidarity, inclusion, and justice.
Intersectionality reminds us that our
identities and experiences are shaped by many
factors, including race, ethnicity, gender,
sexuality, disability, culture, and socioeconomic
background. These diverse perspectives
strengthen our communities, our unions, and
our Labor Movement.

As union activists, we know that every worker
deserves dignity, respect, safety and the freedom
to be their authentic selves. Let us continue
building workplaces and communities where
everyone belongs as we did in June with Pride
Month and Juneteenth.

If you are not already a member of Women’s
Network, UFCW OUTreach, the Minority
Coalition and/or United Latinos, consider
joining and becoming part of this important
work. Log onto UFCWWomensNetwork.com
to get active!