Unifor Statement on the Day of Remembrance and Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

October 4, 2018

On October 4, Unifor asks it members and allies to stand in solidarity with Indigenous families and communities to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls whose lives have been cut short by violence. Countless families and communities have been devastated by this national tragedy.

The pain of loss and of justice denied echoes through our history, our present and will echo into our future if we fail to act. Unifor is committed to working towards reconciliation with Indigenous people and creating a more equitable, inclusive union that celebrates and support First Nations, Inuit and Métis members.

Vigils are being held across the country this year, and concerned citizens and Indigenous community members will gather together to draw attention to this crisis and demand action from all levels of government to stop the violence.

In Winnipeg, members will participate in events, including a vigil, in a show of solidarity and support on Manitoba’s official day to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Members are encouraged to attend vigils that are organized from coast to coast to coast. The Native Women’s Association of Canada compiled this list of vigils to remember our stolen sisters.

October 3, 2018

GANDER – D-J Composites has consented to binding arbitration to resolve a 21-month lockout of Unifor Local 597 members.

“On Monday we asked Premier Dwight Ball to intervene and stand up for 30 workers who have been on a picket line far too long and we are pleased that with his assistance, we are going to binding arbitration,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor’s National President.

Binding arbitration will eventually lead to a collective agreement, which will end the lockout.

“These thirty workers could have walked away, but instead they stayed and they fought for their right to have a union at work. Their courage and resolve has inspired our entire union, indeed the entire labour movement,” said Lana Payne, Atlantic Regional Director. “Be assured we will continue our fight for stronger labour laws that protects workers in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

“On behalf of all 30 of us we’d like to thank our National union and all the members who came here from across Canada to support us and raise awareness that 92 weeks is too long to be on any picket line,” said Ignatius Oram, Local 597 unit chair.