Unifor Local 302 President’s Report- May 27, 2024
Unifor Local 302
President's Report
General Membership Meeting
International Worker's Day
On May 1st, Unifor joins unions across Canada and around the globe to mark International Workers' Day — a day where we celebrate workers and the labour movement — from our collective victories to our common struggles.
The ongoing affordability crisis continues to be a challenge for working class communities across Canada. This crisis has been fueled by growing economic inequality exacerbated by global corporate giants who squeeze workers' wages while extracting more wealth for their executives and shareholders. As recently reported by Oxfam International, the richest five men in the world have doubled their fortunes since 2020, while the wealth of 5 billion people has decreased. Further, seven out of ten of the world's largest corporations have either a billionaire CEO or a billionaire as their principal shareholder.
Red Dress Day
May 5 was Red Dress Day, a day of awareness for the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited individuals (MMlWG2S), and a time to express our deep solidarity with their families. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls has laid out 231 recommendations for ending the violence. The Inquiry's report calls out the ongoing cycle of violence and systemic discrimination that has resulted from Canada's colonial past. By ignoring or underfunding support for Indigenous communities, colonial violence has been perpetuated by governments in every region.
The Inquiry's calls for justice are a guide for all Canadians, organizations, and governments to put an end to the violence. Allies must keep up pressure on elected officials to get to work to implement all 231 recommendations.
As a social union, Unifor recognizes that the fight for social justice for everyone goes beyond the bargaining table and extends to community action. For the second year in a row, we will partner with the Tears to Hope Society to participate in their annual relay women run to raise awareness about the women and girls who have gone missing along Northern B.C.'s "Highway of Tears". This year, Unifor members can participate in a nationwide relay on Saturday, October 5.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness week was from May 6th to 10th 2024. The purpose of the week is to raise awareness and break the stigmas about mental health and addiction.
Together, we will demonstrate our commitment to building better working conditions, learning how to support those struggling with mental health and addiction issues, and recommit ourselves to taking action and asking for help when we need it.
National Nursing Week
During National Nursing Week, May 6-12, 2024, Unifor proudly honours the dedication and unwavering commitment of Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) across Canada. Unifor represents 4,000 Registered or Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses who work in hospitals, private and municipal tong-term care homes.
This year's theme, "Changing Lives. Shaping Tomorrow." reflects the pivotal role these professionals play in transforming health care and crafting the future of patient care.
From the early 1900s, when nursing began to take shape as a regulated profession, to the complex health care ecosystem of today, the journey of nurses, particularly RPNs and LPNs, has been one of growth and increased responsibility.
Initially established during times of need, such as the world wars, the roles of RPNs/LPNs have evolved significantly. By the mid-20th century, regulatory bodies across Canada began to formally recognize and increase the scope of practice for practical nurses, acknowledging their critical role in the expanding health care system.
Today, RPNs/LPNs are foundational to the health care system and are often assigned responsibilities in a scope of practice nearly indistinguishable from RNs.
As we celebrate this week, let us also commit to enhancing the professional environment for RPNs and LPNs, ensuring they can continue to excel and lead in their roles.
To all RPNs and LPNs: we see your hard work, your dedication, and your passion. Thank you for changing lives today and shaping the health care of tomorrow.
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
Each year on May 17, Unifor joins a global community of advocates and activists to raise awareness and take action to combat the challenges, discrimination, and violence faced by queer and trans workers everywhere on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.
2SLGBTQlA+ individuals are currently being targeted by hate-promoting movements in Canada. We see this in aggressive, divisive United States-style policy changes impacting schools across the country. We see this in how trans and gender-diverse people's access to necessary care is being blocked. We see this in the way discussions on identify and sexual diversity in schools is being restricted, further stigmatizing those struggling to find community, representation, and to better understand gender, identity, and expression.
When the rights of any group of people are put at risk or outrightly taken, we too must consider the permanence of the other rights we all currently enjoy. These rights are not guaranteed, they are fought for—and unions have and will always be a powerful force to do so.
This year's theme for May 17 is "No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all"—a sentiment that rings true amongst all trade unionists as we leave no worker behind in our collective fight for better living and working conditions for everyone. Whether that's at a bargaining table or at your dinner table—each step we take to resist division and instead foster unity is a bold act of solidarity.
Personal Support Workers Day
Unifor proudly recognizes the dedication and care provided by Personal Support Workers (PSWs) in Ontario on the occasion of Personal Support Worker Day on May 19. These health care heroes are essential to the well-being of every community, providing compassionate support and expert care that impacts countless lives every day.
This year, we celebrate not only their daily contributions but also a significant victory for all public sector health care workers in Ontario.
PSWs have always been at the heart of our healthcare system, often performing their duties under challenging conditions, which were exacerbated by the pandemic. They have faced increased risks and have demonstrated resilience and professionalism during the most trying times. It is only fair and just that their commitment is met with the respect and support it deserves.
Paramedic Services Week
Unifor proudly honours the relentless and unwavering commitment of paramedics to mark Paramedic Services Week from May 19 to May 25.
This year's theme, "Help Us, Help You", focuses on sharing tips on how community members can best support paramedics and other emergency services personnel in the event of an emergency. By working together, community members and first responders can help build a safe and healthy community.
Paramedics are on the front lines of medical emergencies, providing critical interventions from the moment of contact to the transfer of care at medical facilities. Their profound dedication and expertise have been particularly vital as we continue to navigate the complexities of post-pandemic health care and the challenges posed by ongoing health care reforms.
The resilience of paramedics has been tested by continuous demands for increased efficiency amid scarce resources, a challenge exacerbated by current legislative measures that threaten the integrity of the public health care system. As a union we have opposed any actions that compromise the quality of public health care or the welfare of Unifor health care members.
We stand in solidarity with EMS workers, advocating for better working conditions, fair compensation, and sufficient resources to ensure they can perform their lifesaving duties effectively.
National Accessibility Week
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.
Family Fun Day
This is final reminder for Family Fun Day which takes place on Saturday July 13, 2024, at East Park in London. Registration deadline is Friday May 31,2024.
Member Appreciation Day
Member appreciation day at Canadas Wonderland on July 7, 2024. Tickets are $46.99 plus tax, that includes parking, admission and a hot buffet lunch.
Unifor Local 302 Scholarships
Unifor Local 302 will be offering (5) five educational scholarships of $1,000.00 each. Scholarships will be offered to children of Unifor Local 302 Members in good standing and/or Local 302 Members. These students must be enrolled in post-secondary education in a full-time program at a university, college, or technological institute. Please see flyer for more information.
Executive Council Conference
The Local 302 Executive Council Conference was held in Port Elgin from May 22nd to 24th 2024. The event included National staff along with Unit Chairpersons and the Local 302 Executive. The 3 days were filled with guest speakers, workshops and educationals, along with relaxing time and fun in the evenings.
Ontario Health Council
This year the Ontario Health council will be meet in port Elgin at the Family Education Center from October 4-6, 2024. Local 302 will be holding nominations and elections at the June general membership meeting and will be sending a total of 22 delegates to council, 20 elected and 2 automatics.
In Solidarity,
Kevin Phillips
President
Unifor Local 302