ORGANIZER-IN-TRAINING PROGRAM
Become a UFCW 1518 Organizer-in-Training (OIT) and lead the charge for worker rights!
ABOUT the program
UFCW 1518 Organizer-in-Training (OIT) is a member program that offers you the opportunity to access training in organizing, mobilizing, and campaign planning, with hands-on experience through skills-building sessions, one-on-one mentorship, and engagement with non-unionized workers. If you are interested in not only building worker power in non-union workplaces, but also organizing for economic and social justice causes outside of the workplace, this program is for you!
This program combines practical skills in organizing, on-the-ground mobilizing, and campaign planning to prepare participants to become labour activists in their communities. As an OIT, you will gain hands-on labour organizing experience by engaging with non-unionized workers while gaining one-on-one mentorship from experienced organizers.
By the end of the program, participants will have a thorough understanding of the organizing process and how they can help build worker power in their communities!
Key Qualifications
- Interest in union organizing and getting to know fellow members.
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice.
- Commitment to building a more politically and socially active union.
- Previous experience with organizing and mobilizing either in their workplace, in their neighborhood, or through their community involvement.
- Strong engagement with anti-oppression, cultural humility and decolonization.
- Great interpersonal skills, with a willingness to hold conversations with non-union workers, UFCW 1518 members and activists.
In addition to the above key qualifications, applicants should also be:
- Available full-time for the full duration of the program including the training period.
- Willing and able to work evening and weekend hours, as necessary.
- Have a valid Class-5 driver license.
What our Organizers-In-Training Say
frequently asked questions
All UFCW 1518 members in good standing are eligible to become an OIT. Ideal candidates will be passionate about social justice, the labour movement, and fighting for worker rights!
OITs will be compensated at their normal hourly rate for the duration of the program. UFCW 1518 will reimburse your employer for wages and you will maintain the same benefits you are currently provided by your employer.
Applicants aren’t required to have and prior experience in organizing. OITs will take part in trainings and workshops held by experienced organizers – we’ll help you grow into a union activist!
When your OIT placement is complete, you will return to your workplace with no changes to your prior job classification, wages, hours, benefits and position. You’ll gain all the benefits of the program, without any impact on your permanent role.
OIT placements can range anywhere from 30 days to several months depending on the length of the special project. Selected applicants will be invited to interview for the role and learn more about the project and its duration.
You can contact the Education department at education@ufcw1518.com to learn more about the program.