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Unifor’s Prairie Regional Council officially began on Wednesday in Edmonton with a focus on social justice, health and safety, and fair treatment of workers in both front-line bargaining and international trade deals.
In her report, Joie Warnock, Western Regional Director, told the 136 delegates, that “as employers push to cheapen wages and benefits and eliminate good jobs, we have a right to demand good, stable jobs that support our families and create strong communities”. Warnock credited Unifor’s pattern bargaining in the energy sector as the key to fighting back against oil and gas giants who cried poverty during the price slump.
She also pointed to several victories in the political battle against austerity measures being implemented in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. “The next few years won’t be easy, but we’re a union built for taking the principled path, not the easy one.”
A theme picked up when Jerry Dias, National President, said that he is inspired by the fight against austerity. “I am so proud to see members taking on regressive governments in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.” Additionally, Dias reminded delegates that it’s important for the labour movement to keep pressure on all governments. “Progressive governments do progressive things when pushed by progressive organizations.”
As part of that push, Bruce Fafard, President, Edmonton and District Labour Council, asked Albertan delegates to participate in the province’s sweeping review of its Employment Standards Code and Labour Relations Code.
“If we don’t write this story somebody else will,” said Fafard. “We have an opportunity that we haven’t had in decades. We need to make a difference.”
This message was shared by Alberta’s Minister of Labour Christina Gray, who asked members to provide input on the long overdue changes. “Unifor is an integral part of this province and we need your help to get this right,” said Gray.
In his address Jerry Dias also told delegates that the union is actively engaged on many fronts, championing equality in a new age of divisive politics, fighting for equal pay, battling racism, tackling precarious work and renegotiating free trade agreements.
“There is a lot of work for us to do,” said Dias. “But I know as an organization we’ve got the commitment, the desire, and the knowledge but more importantly we’ve got the determination.”
Delegates were touched and motivated by a presentation by safety advocate and double amputee Curtis Weber who shared his inspiring survival story after a life-changing workplace injury.
Jim Demeray, President of UnderstandUs, closed the day telling delegates about the organizations work to improve understanding of the barriers faced by individuals with mental health issues and its efforts to remove the stigma attached to it.
To view a photo gallery of Prairie Regional Council visit Facebook.com/UniforCanada
