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Close to 200 people gathered in Saint John, New Brunswick at Unifor’s Atlantic Regional Council from June 18-21.
Kicking off the Council, Atlantic Regional Director, Lana Payne said: “I want to thank all of you for the work you do in our workplaces, our union and our communities.” To an enthusiastic audience, Payne outlined the ways in which the last year has been one of defending workers’ rights, enforcing democracy, organizing new members and advancing equity and justice.
Throughout the weekend, delegates discussed and debated important issues including organizing, violence against women, human rights, fair wages and job security. Delegates stressed the need for Unifor to be a champion for economic and social rights at the bargaining table, in our communities and in the political sphere.
A focus of the Council was the upcoming federal election. “Unifor was born to challenge ourselves, our members and our communities. And we were born to change the politics of this country,” stressed Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.
Roch Leblanc, Atlantic Campaign Coordinator, outlined the region’s plans to engage members in the federal election. The plan focuses on listening to members’ concerns, providing information and analysis and supporting members to get involved in the election campaign.
“We are building a union that we can all be proud of,” said Lisa Martin, newly elected Chair of the Atlantic Regional Council. “We are making important gains for our members and we are building our strength.”
A highlight of the weekend was an emotional and moving address from President of Unifor Local 4600, Susan Gill. She expressed thanks for the support Nova Scotia health care workers received in their fight against the government’s attack on workers’ rights in Bill 1. “We were victorious because of the incredible solidarity and support we received from this amazing union!”
In addition to passing numerous resolutions, the Council also held an election for vacant positions on the Regional Executive.
