LOCAL UFCW 248P CELEBRATING 73 YEARS STRONG
Our Union – UFCW Canada Local 248P
The long and vibrant history of UFCW Canada Local 248P first began in 1941 with the unionization of Intercontinental Packers. At the time, the United Packinghouse Workers of America (UPWA) were engaged in an ambitious organizing program across Canada. With the establishment of the Packinghouse Workers Organizing Committee, the UPWA organized more than 3,200 new members in Canada in less than two years. Intercontinental Packers opened in 1940 and was quickly organized and certified as Local 248.
Local 248 members and elected representatives quickly began participating in the Saskatchewan Provincial Council of the UPWA. The council then consisted of other UPWA locals in the province, including Locals 234 at Burns in Prince Albert, Local 313 at Palm Dairies in Saskatoon and Local 342 at Robin Hood in Saskatoon. Representing Local 248 on the council was Financial Secretary George O’Keefe. Chief among the council’s achievements was further organizing victories across Saskatchewan during the 1940s and 1950s, including Canada Packers and the Dairy Pool chain. The council also pressed the Saskatchewan government to enact a 40 hour, 5 day work week and an increase in the minimum wage. In this regard, Local 248 was already fighting for the betterment of all workers across Saskatchewan.
Bylaws of UFCW Canada Local 248P