Unifor Local 302 President’s Report- March 24, 2025

Unifor Local 302
President’s Report
General Membership Meeting

March 24, 2025

Maple View Terrace

It is with regret that we report that Maple View Terrace has closed due to a flood at the facility, leaving all our members permanently laid off. We wish them all the best of luck.

Tariffs

With the US tariffs to begin next week after months of taunts and threats that have already hurt investment decisions and jobs in Canada, we must fight back. This war was never about protecting the border or fentanyl, it’s about giving into American economic demands.

Donald Trump has dragged us into an open economic war with the U.S., but he has seriously misjudged the resolve and unity of Canadians. Unifor has publicly warned any corporation that thinks it can take the easy way out by shifting production south of the border that they will have one hell of a fight on their hands.

Your union has been actively advocating for workers on federal and provincial trade councils, in meetings with employers and in conversations with the Prime Minister, the Premiers and politicians at all levels.

While Unifor has been clear of the real danger and the terrible impact tariffs will have, we have also stressed that together we can act to control our own economic destiny.

We know just how difficult these developments are for our members. We share your concern and anger. We share your fears and your worries.

Together, we will stand strong. Our country has economic leverage and now it must use it. There has never been a better time for Canada to rise to the challenge of rebuilding our industries and trade relationships and implement measures to reset our economy to secure jobs and develop a more diverse and resilient economy for the future.

Unifor Health Care Week

Unifor is proud to mark the union’s first-ever Health Care Workers Week, March 17-22, 2025. A time to recognize the dedication, compassion, and skill of the workers who keep Canada’s health care systems running. Every day, Unifor members provide essential care and services, often under immense pressure, ensuring patients and residents receive the support they need. Five years after the pandemic exposed the fragility of our health care system, many of the same issues remain. Chronic underfunding, short staffing, and exhausting workloads continue to push workers to their limits. Wages have lagged, rising costs and privatization threatens the quality of care and good jobs in the sector. Despite these challenges, health care workers show up every day because they love what they do. They care for our loved ones, comfort those in crisis and fight to keep public health care strong. That week, we were amplifying their voices—their passion, their struggles, and their unwavering dedication to patient care. However, appreciation alone is not enough. Real respect means fighting for better wages, safer workplaces, and an end to the staffing crisis that threatens the future of public health care.

April 11, 2025- National Day of Silence

National Day of Silence in April each year is a student-led movement to protest bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students and those who support them. The Day of Silence brings awareness and illustrates to the schools and the colleges how intimidation, name-calling, and general bullying have a silencing effect. Participating students take a day-long vow of silence.

Earth Day

Every year, on April 22nd, we celebrate earth day. There are many ways to partake, such as turning your lights off for an hour after dark or going to a park and cleaning around the fence line. If you choose to clean a park, remember to be safe, watch for needles and other hazards that could hurt you.

April 28, 2025

April 28th is the National Day of Mourning to remember workers killed on the job. We do this by observing a moment of silence at 11:00am. This is a right in our collective agreements, so please take a minute and remember.

This is also election day in Canada this year, so remember to go and vote to have you voice heard as a Canadian.

Bargaining Updates

Ongoing: Chelsey Park Retirement, Chelsey Park RPN, McCormick Home, McCormick Recreation Specialist, Glendale Retirement, Glendale LTC, St. Mary’s Hospital, Hanover Hospital, and Norfolk General Hospital.

Ratified: Group of 11, Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital, and Alexandra Hospital.

Going to Conciliation: Extendicare Homes - Elmwood, Port Dover and McGarrell

In Solidarity,

Kevin Phillips
President
Unifor Local 302