Now is the time to fight for workers and to build worker power.
Unifor members, leaders and supporters marched the streets of downtown Toronto in the 151st annual Labour Day parade – themed “Year of the union” – and celebrated Unifor’s 10th anniversary.
“Ten years ago, Unifor was born as a radical act of hope and solidarity and we have not stopped fighting since,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne in her speech. “It’s been incredible. Right now, in this world, what a time it is to fight for working people.”
Payne applauded the collective efforts at Unifor and its 3,700 Metro grocery store members who ratified a historic collective agreement after organizing 27 picket lines during the month-long strike in the Greater Toronto Area.
“I’m sure Metro was not prepared for that,” said Payne. “The members have to consider what they have done here – they have not just raised the bar for themselves, they have raised it for grocery store workers everywhere. The other two [grocery chains] should be on notice now, especially Loblaws. Because, you’re next.”
Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle attended a large gathering of members at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver. Members and their families got a break from work to enjoy the fair while raising the profile of Unifor.
“In Metro Vancouver, we’re bringing together hundreds of Unifor members and their families as we’ve done in the past, but this year we’re going to give a boost to the historic organizing drive at Amazon distributing promotional t-shirts to members to wear at the PNE,” said McGarrigle.
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