HALIFAX, Aug. 16, 2018 – Unifor will celebrate five years of activism at the union’s Canadian Council, taking place August 17-19 at the Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle Street.
“In five short years Unifor members have made their mark in every region of the country,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. “I’m incredibly proud of the achievements made in advancing the labour movement and in moving the dial on both political and social policies.”
Since its inception in 2013, Unifor has been a leading advocate for worker rights, a fair NAFTA deal and stronger social programs including better health care. The union has worked diligently to raise the bar in collective bargaining, securing a $1.6 billion investment in the Canadian auto sector from the Detroitthree while raising standards and accomplishing pattern bargaining in the softwood lumber, grocery retail, gaming and hospitality, and school bus driver sectors.
More than 1,300 participants will gather at Canadian Council to discuss and debate an action plan for the upcoming year.
On the eve of the Council, Unifor is proud to host a round-table discussion to address racism and Islamophobia. A panel of experts, advocates and activists will gather for a frank discussion on effective action against racial and religious intolerance.
“In light of the recent rise in hate-based violence, this round-table invokes a timely discussion about racism and anti-immigrant hostility,” said Dias. “The labour movement must be actively involved in the fight for equity, social justice, diversity and inclusion.”
Agenda for Thursday August 16:
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Roundtable on Racism and Islamophobia
Halifax Convention Centre, Room C1, 1650 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS B3J 0E6
Friday August 17:
10:00 a.m. Jerry Dias, Unifor National President
11:30 a.m. El Jones, Poet-activist, Journalist
1:30 p.m. Renaud Gagné, Unifor Québec Director
Saturday August 18:
1:55 p.m. Raymond Bachand, Québec Chief Negotiator for NAFTA
To review a full copy of the Convention agenda please visit unifor.org/canadiancouncil. For live updates follow the hashtag #UniforCC2018 on Twitter or @UnifortheUnion.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
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CONTACT: To attend Canadian Council or to request an interview with Unifor National President Jerry Dias please contact Unifor Communications Representative Kathleen O’Keefe at [email protected] or 416-896-3303 (cell)
