Shawn Haggerty has been named the new national president of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Canada, a union representing more than 250,000 workers across Canada.
Haggerty’s election marks a significant transition in leadership as he also takes on the role of executive vice president of UFCW International, which boasts a membership of 1.3 million in the United States and Canada.
With a career that began in the UFCW Local 416P as an electrician at Robin Hood Multi-Foods in Port Colborne, Ontario, Haggerty’s dedication to the labor movement has spanned several decades. His journey saw him becoming the president of UFCW 175 in 2007, the largest local union in Canada, a position he held for 17 years before advancing to higher roles within the organization.
Marc Perrone, UFCW International President, praised Haggerty’s lifelong commitment to workers’ rights and his extensive experience in union leadership.
“Shawn has spent his lifetime committed to building a better life for workers, and his decades of experience as a union leader and labour activist make him the right person to fight the battles modern labour is facing,” Perrone said.
He expressed the international body’s enthusiasm for collaborating with Haggerty to enhance the well-being of members across North America.
Expressing gratitude for his election, Haggerty vowed to continue advocating for UFCW workers and to build on the achievements of union activists.
“I am honoured by the confidence of UFCW Canada and UFCW International in entrusting me in this role,” stated Haggerty. He emphasized his commitment to advancing fairness, equality, and social justice for all members and workers.
Haggerty steps into the role following the retirement of Paul Meinema, the previous UFCW Canada national president, who left after more than forty years of service in the labor movement.
In addition to leading UFCW Canada, Haggerty will also contribute as a trustee on various benefit plan boards and represent UFCW on the executive council of the Canadian Labour Congress, further extending his influence within the labor community.
