June marks National Indigenous History Month, a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, art, and music of Indigenous peoples. This month is an opportunity to honour the resilience, achievements, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and to reflect on the importance of their traditions and heritage.

With the election of Canada’s first First Nations premier, Wab Kinew, there is lots to celebrate.

Throughout June, Unifor encourages members to actively engage with local Indigenous culture and history. Attend local events, support Indigenous artists, and participate in community celebrations. Promoting and participating in these activities not only fosters understanding and respect but also strengthens the bonds between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Reflecting on the lands occupied and the history they hold is a vital part of reconciliation. In June 2023, Unifor celebrated National Indigenous History Month by sharing resources for improving territorial acknowledgement practices at local union events and meetings.

Territorial acknowledgements are more than formalities—they are acts of recognition and respect for the enduring relationship between Indigenous peoples and their lands. Members are urged to consider their own practices of territorial acknowledgment and engage with local Indigenous communities.

Meaningful engagement goes beyond acknowledgment. It involves dialogue and building relationships, learning about the history and current realities of Indigenous peoples, and supporting their efforts for cultural recognition and preservation.

Coming up on June 21, National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Unifor will be hosting a webinar discussing the diversity of Indigenous communities and traditions in the union context. The session will explore the practice of Indigenous performances at events and how to appropriately receive them as a host.

Unifor remains steadfast in its commitment to ongoing reflection, learning, and action. This June, celebrate the past, present, and future of Indigenous peoples in Canada and help work towards a shared path of reconciliation and respect.

In solidarity,

Lana Payne
Unifor National President

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May 29, 2024

 

TORONTO—Workers at Nestle have ratified a new three-year contract today with the chocolate maker that has significant bumps in wages, pensions, and health benefits, ending a strike that began on May 5.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for their tenacious work in securing this deal, which protects members from precarious work and provides them and their families some cushion from the affordability crisis we’re in,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“We thank them for their hard work and dedication on the job day in and out and for their resolve on the picket line.”

Members ratified the contract on May 29, 2024.

There are 461 Local 252 members at the Toronto Nestle plant, which produces Kit Kat, Aero, and Coffee Crisp chocolate bars, as well as Smarties. They work as machine operators, bar packers, shippers and receivers, general labourers and in Skilled Trades.

The gains include a 3.25% wage increase in the first year, 3% in the second year and 2.25% in the last year. This contract has a $1 increase each year in the Defined Benefit Pension Plan for non-Skilled Trades, and $2 in each year for Skilled Trades.

The health benefits improvements include tool allowance, vision, and dental care. Working members over the age of 65 at Nestle will now be able to access health benefits.

Fourteen contract workers (P0 classification) with the highest seniority level at ratification will be immediately moved to the P1 wage rate as full-time with full benefits.

Also, shift workers will receive 75 cents per hour on afternoon shift and 90 cents per hour on night shift.

“We’re pleased with this contract,” said Unifor Local 252 President Eamonn Clarke.

“It is a robust agreement that addresses the needs of members, from monetary to health. In past contracts, we have fought for more job security and improved pensions, and this continues to build on what we’ve done. Our members are ready to get back to work.”

May 21, 2024

 

National AccessAbility Week, from May 26 to June 1, 2024, Unifor recognizes the valuable contributions, achievements and leadership of persons with disabilities. On this week, our union wishes to highlight the important work being done in concert with allies, organizations, and communities to remove barriers and create a more accessible and inclusive society.

The theme for this year is “AccessAbility is Within Reach”, highlighting the inclusive practices within communities and workplaces across Canada ensuring that every individual, regardless of their abilities, can participate fully and equally in all aspects of life.

As a union, we prioritize creating an inclusive environment where every member is able to participate meaningfully within their union and their workplace. We firmly uphold the belief that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, should have equal opportunities to contribute and participate in the decision-making processes of our union. By championing accessibility, inclusion, and belonging, we strive to foster a union that embraces the diverse strengths and contributions of its members, ensuring a workplace environment where everyone can thrive with dignity.

Within our workplaces and within our union, members take these steps towards inclusion:

1. Encourage the use of the Inclusive Practices Tool Kit in your local union and workplace.
2. Challenge your perceptions about disability and consider how your workplace can be made more inclusive.
3. At your next General Membership Meeting play Unifor’s Workers with Disabilities video.
4. This week, use Unifor’s social media shareable to highlight the abilities of people with disabilities.
5. Table bargaining proposals that support and protects the physical and mental wellbeing of members.

National AccessAbility Week serves as a timely reminder that creating a truly inclusive society requires collective effort and continuous commitment.

Let us work together to remove barriers, challenge misconceptions, and build a future where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and succeed.