On a bright August morning, UFCW 1518 members gathered in downtown Vancouver, proudly decked out in union t-shirts, rainbow flags, and signs that highlighted their solidarity. Among them was Carla, a grocery store worker and proud UFCW 1518 member, and her daughter.
Carla had always supported equity and fairness — it’s what drew her to the union in the first place. But when her teenage daughter came out as queer a few weeks ago, the fight for inclusion suddenly felt a lot more personal.
Shortly after her daughter came out, Carla saw an invitation to march at the Vancouver Pride parade with other UFCW 1518 members. She thought this was a perfect opportunity to make a statement of solidarity — not just as a family, but as part of a contingent full of working folks, walking together under the banner of solidarity, equity, and love.
Carla’s story reflects why for many members, participating in Pride isn’t just a celebration — it’s a way to say: 2SLGBTQIA+ workers deserve respect, safety, and visibility at work and in their communities.
Pride is joy, but it’s also justice. It’s about demanding better — which is exactly what we do as a union.
UFCW 1518 has long championed inclusive language in collective agreements, access to gender-affirming care benefits, and strong anti-discrimination protections. But the work continues.
By showing up at events like Pride — and by listening to the stories of members we want to show that real solidarity extends beyond the workplace. Creating space for members’ complete lives and identities servers as a strong reminder of the power of working people coming together to support each other.
It’s about more than one day or one parade.
It’s about building a movement where every worker knows they’re safe, supported, and celebrated. That’s the kind of union we are.
UFCW 1518 will continue to stand with 2SLGBTQIA+ members, in the workplace and in the streets — because when we show up for each other, we build a stronger, more inclusive future for all workers.
Want to get involved?
Whether you’re a long-time member or just learning about union power, UFCW 1518 is here for you. Visit ufcw1518.com to learn more about how you can join the movement and build a better, fairer workplace for everyone.
*Names in this story have been changed.
