Over the next few weeks a series of information sessions on Unifor’s recent decision to disaffiliate from the Canadian Labour Congress will be held across the province.

These meetings will provide a forum to communicate the reasons for the disaffiliation and engage in an open discussion to address any questions or concerns that members may have.  An update will also be provided on Unifor Local 7575 members and their efforts to join Unifor.

I encourage all Unifor members to attend to participate in this important conversation.

Peterborough – Monday, Feb. 5 –  12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Location: Best Western Otonabee Inn, Otonabee Room, 84 Lansdowne Street East, Peterborough, ON K9J 7N9

Ottawa – Tuesday, Feb. 6 –  12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Location: Unifor Ottawa Office, 5 Gurdwara Rd, Nepean, ON K2E 7X6

Brampton – Wednesday, Feb. 7 –  6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Location: Unifor Local 1285, 23 Regan Rd #1, Brampton, ON L7A 1B2

Kitchener – Thursday, Feb. 8 –  11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: Unifor Local 1106, Hall 600, 600 Wabanaki Dr, Kitchener, ON N2C 1J1

Oshawa – Thursday, Feb. 8 –   6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Location: Unifor Local 222, 1425 Phillip Murray Ave, Oshawa, ON L1J 8L4

Belleville – Monday, Feb. 12 –  11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: Unifor Local 1839, 160 Catharine St, Belleville, ON K8P 1M8

London – Tuesday, Feb. 13 –  1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Location: Unifor London Office, 140 Pine Valley Blvd, London, ON N6K 3X3

Windsor – Thursday, Feb 15 – 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Location: Unifor Labour Centre, 3400 Somme Ave, Windsor, ON ON N8W 1V4

To find the latest information, read the letters that Unifor has sent to the CLC, and access fact sheets and other resources visit unifor.org/fixtheclc.

In solidarity,

Naureen Rizvi

Ontario Regional Director

Bargaining Bulletin February 5 BTS newsletter 2018 ENG

Letter from Jerry to CLC

Change through activism: Unifor Statement in support of Black History Month

January 30, 2018

In recognition of the 21^st anniversary of Black History Month in Canada, Unifor proudly celebrates Generative Activism:  the creation of power, influence and a better society through one’s involvement to bring about that change.  Considering the leadership role that Unifor plays in Canada’s labour movement and the role that black Canadians played in the establishment of unions across the country, a celebration of the strength, activism and solidarity of black labour could not be any more relevant than it is today.

Over seventy years ago, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters played a significant role in improving the working conditions of black men employed as railway porters on the Canadian Pacific Railway.  These workers faced racist attitudes, ongoing harassment, poor job conditions and low wages. To improve their working conditions, and because white unions would not allow them as members, the Porters envisioned their own union.  One where fairness and  collective strength would mean improved wages, better opportunities and an increased standard of living for their families.  Their vision became reality in 1945, with the signing of the Porters first collective agreement.

As we celebrate Black History Month, Unifor is proud to acknowledge the role that black trade unionists, activists and an engaged black labour movement has played in shaping Canada and our union. From the resolve and courage of the black porters, to the vision of Viola Desmond, the perseverance of the Honourable Jean Augustine, to the current activism of the Black Live Matters movement; we are all better.  Our movements are stronger and more inclusive because of the work that black activists did in the past and continue to do every day in the workplace, our union and in communities. Let us celebrate the generations of activism and continue to learn from these visions as we work to build inclusion.

As February unfolds, Unifor encourages members and locals to participate in and promote Black History Month events in their communities or consider hosting a Black History Month celebration in their halls.