Dziewit to Seek Election to MFL Presidency

Sister Darlene Dziewit was asked to serve the remainder of Brother Rob Hilliard's term when he left office to assume duties at the Manitoba Centre for Labour Capital. Since she was already planning to retire from her duties as a full-time contract negotiator for UFCW Local 832, she agreed and indicated that she would retire for real after the fall 2006 MFL General Convention.

Over this past summer, the Table Officers of the MFL asked Sister Dziewit to consider allowing her name to stand in the scheduled election at the coming General Convention. They did this for two reasons. One, they were impressed by her leadership and spokesperson skills during the Crocus Investment Fund crisis and the crucial review of the Workers Compensation Act. Two, they decided they'd like her at the helm, if elected, to deal with labour’s legislative agenda and other crucial campaigns that are in the works.

The MFL Executive Council members received news of the Table Officers’ request at their September 2005 meeting. After consulting her family, Dziewit agreed to run for the presidency of the MFL.

"When I stepped in to serve out the balance of Brother Rob's term of office, I didn't anticipate that I would enjoy the work so much. It's profoundly different than working for a single union and the difference really energized me. I am glad to seek the electoral support of MFL affiliates and the women and men who are their members. I know there will likely be others who may decide to contest the election, but I have never backed down from a challenge. At the end of the day, the delegates to the 2006 MFL Convention will elect a President that will serve Manitoba workers well."