International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities

A collage of four images of Unifor members with disabilities in their workplaces.

 

December 3, 2021 is the International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities. Unifor recognizes the important contributions of people of diverse abilities and remains committed to building a more inclusive, accessible world for all.  The pandemic has had a tremendous impact on workers, but it has also shone light on the limitations of how work is arranged. There are opportunities to rethink and redesign how we work to increase participation of people with disabilities in the workplace, in union life and in leadership roles in workplaces and in unions.

This year, the UN designated theme “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world” speaks to the opportunity that awaits. Unifor will use that opening to create accessible, supportive work spaces in collective bargaining agreements and within the union environment.

2022 BTS BARGAINING PROPOSAL form – Deadline Extended Nov 28 2021

We have extended proposal submissions to Sunday November 28 2021 by 5pm…

 

Bargaining Proposal Form

Sisters and Brothers,

Our Craft BTS/Unifor Collective Agreement expires May 2022. Please download and fill out the proposal form and return them no later than November 24 2021 as the local must submit all proposals by December 1 2021. It is important that every member fill out the form.

The PDF form is a fillable form that may be submitted electronically by email or fax.

Please download the BTS Bargaining proposal form and return it to the Local Executive
Email

barg.cba.proposals.2022@gmail.com

Or

Fax to:

416.538.1997

Form provided by Unifor National

FILLABLE BTS BARGAINING PROPOSAL SURVEY

In Solidarity,

Lee, Sanjay, Brian, Chris

Statement on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

Source: Unifor National

Jerry Dias, Renaud Gagné, Gavin McGarrigle

Unifor’s activism against violence against women and gender-based violence in all its forms is strong and longstanding. Together workers have won efforts to prevent violence, and better support survivors. Women have led the way.

Women still experience violence predominantly at the hands of men, most often their intimate partners or family members. Men’s violence against women has increased sharply during the pandemic.

By naming the source of the violence, we can focus more clearly on finding solutions.

In 2021, men in positions of power in the union pledge to speak up and take action to prevent gender-based violence.

Gender based violence happens in all communities. However, some people face increased rates of violence including Indigenous women and women of colour, non-binary people, trans, lesbian and bisexual women, women with disabilities and women living in rural and remote regions.

November 25 starts a global campaign of 16 Days of Activism for the Elimination of Violence against Women. December 6 will mark Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.

Unifor invites all men to take a pledge and speak out to ensure all women, girls and gender diverse people are valued, respected and are able to live free from violence.

In addition to challenging men’s attitudes and actions, as trade unionists, men can take action at the bargaining table and in the workplace to help prevent gender-based violence. Actions that address economic security for women and gender diverse people can include negotiating and enforcing pay equity, employment equity, anti-harassment language, family leaves, paid domestic violence leave, good wages and other workplace rights.

These measures have the additional benefit of underscoring the equality and equity that women and gender diverse people deserve. This is all part of preventing gender-based violence.

During this campaign, and all year round, spread the word by speaking to men and boys in your life. Suggested topics are on our campaign page.

On Black Friday, let’s support warehouse workers

Source: Unifor National

warehouse workers

We can’t help but think of how busy warehouses across Canada and the United States are going to be this week in the lead up to Black Friday.

While companies like Amazon try to get a head start on their profits prior to the holiday season, and customers shop in stores and online in search of sales, warehouse workers are left carrying the heaviest burden. During this period, expectations and workloads rise while wages remain the same and working conditions get more difficult.

During the pandemic, warehouse workers faced some of the most difficult situations, including many COVID-19 outbreaks in Canadian warehouses.

Warehouse workers across the country deserve the best health and safety protections, fair wages, better working conditions, and respect on the job.

This year, for Black Friday, our union is sharing with all Unifor local unions a new campaign, titled “Warehouse Workers Unite”. This campaign aims to bring attention to the experience of warehouse workers, and to encourage warehouse workers to consider what our union can do to help them gain a voice and respect on the job.

You will find more information, resources, videos to watch and a social media shareable at www.warehouseworkersunite.ca

We ask that local unions support this campaign by:

  1. Sharing the campaign website, video and social media sharable on your local union websites, social media channels and with your members
  2. Post this tweet or write your own: As #BlackFriday ramps up seasonal shopping, warehouse workers will carry the load. #Unifor believes warehouse workers deserve decent wages, H & S protections, better working conditions & respect on the job. #WarehouseWorkersUnite
  3. Communicate with Unifor’s organizing department if your local union has any contacts for workers who currently work in non-union warehouses
  4. Thank and support frontline workers during the busy holiday season.

We have a lot of work to do to bring justice and respect for warehouse workers across Canada. We look forward to your help and participation in this new campaign.

In solidarity,

Jerry Dias                      Lana Payne                                    Renaud Gagné
National President         National Secretary-Treasurer         Quebec Director

Unifor to donate $60,000 to B.C. flood relief

Source Unifor National

VANCOUVER—Families affected by the floods in British Columbia will benefit from a $60,000 donation by Unifor to the Red Cross.

“Unifor’s social justice work doesn’t stop in the workplace. Our members want to be a part of community support and social solidarity,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.

Unifor’s donation is comprised of $20,000 from Unifor’s B.C. Regional Council and $40,000 from Unifor’s Canadian Community Fund. Unifor is also encouraging member locals to donate where possible.

“These regions were just starting to recover from the pandemic. The floods will set tens of thousands of families back, potentially for years. We remain committed to doing everything we can to support our neighbours and coworkers during this time,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director