The UFCW membership has become and will continue to grow increasingly diverse. The ways we, as an organization, use and understand language reflect the ways we respond to all kinds of differences. A thoughtful, in-depth approach to bridging language differences will be an important part of continuing to build a strong and inclusive union where workers from every background are able to fully participate in our union.
Effective member engagement relies on understanding language proficiency as a process that develops with participation rather than as a prerequisite to participation in the life of our union.
Our increased multilingual capacity will strengthen solidarity by breaking down language barriers among diverse non-English-speaking members.
As you’re examining language access at your local, consider:
- Are union officers, staff and member leaders learning ways to collaborate with interpreters in order to communicate their message, and not just their words?
- Are multi-lingual union representatives and stewards receiving training and support so that they will no longer be expected to play the conflicting dual role of interpreter and advocate at the same time?
- Are members with leadership skills and a desire to contribute having to wait until they have become proficient in English before their ideas can be heard or their leadership recognized?
- Are leaders, staff, members, and activists experiencing our union as an organization that encourages their full participation in the life of our union?
Sample Materials
El Centro Hispano: Interpretation and Translation
UFCW Spanish Materials
- “Your Rights Under OSHA” Guide