Unifor calls for unity and solidarity on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

On this International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, Unifor reflects on lives impacted by hate and reaffirms our commitment to bringing working people together with respect and shared purpose in times of growing division. This year’s theme, “The Power of Communities,” reminds us that lasting change doesn’t come from individuals acting alone—it comes from the strength of our collective voices. At Unifor, we see this power every day in our workplaces, locals, and activist networks. It is through this shared strength that we confront hate, defend rights, and build a more just world for all.

Statistics Canada reported that in 2023, hate crimes targeting sexual orientation rose 69%. Overall, police-reported hate crimes surged 32%, marking the third major increase in four years—highlighting a troubling rise in intolerance.

At union meetings, through our get-out-the-vote campaign, and across our union platforms that reach millions, Unifor members hear from Canadians concerned about rising hate. Parents of queer and trans children, friends, coworkers, and queer and trans individuals themselves share stories of growing polarization in Canada, echoing what’s unfolding in the U.S. under Trump’s attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

For trade unionists, the belief is clear: diversity is strength, equity is earned, and inclusion is essential. For Unifor, that means building a society where everyone feels safe to participate—regardless of who they are or where they live. It means building an economy that works for the many, not the few.

In Alberta, government overreach has restricted gender-affirming care, blocked youth from using chosen names and pronouns, and banned transgender girls from sports. Saskatchewan and New Brunswick have enacted similar restrictions. These policies affect a small population, yet they’re highly weaponized as political wedge issues.

Queer and trans people are not to blame for economic hardship or political failure. These attacks are distractions from the real issues facing Canadians—including the elimination of the federal Minister of Women, Gender Equality, and 2SLGBTQIA+ People. This role championed action on gender-based violence, affordable childcare, and access to support, especially in rural areas.

Unifor is proud to unite all workers—including queer and trans workers—to share experiences, shape union priorities, educate, empower advocates, and build a world free from harassment and discrimination. The struggles of queer and trans workers are part of the broader fight for workers’ rights and economic justice.

In times of uncertainty, solidarity is our greatest strength. On this International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, Unifor stands with queer and trans workers to build a more inclusive, just, and united Canada.

Save the Date: Unifor’s Workers in Transition Guide

Unifor’s “Workers in Transition” guide serves as a comprehensive resource for union representatives to support transgender members undergoing gender transition in the workplace.

It emphasizes the union’s role in safeguarding the rights and dignity of all workers, advocating for safe, discrimination-free environments.

The guide provides practical advice on understanding the transition process, addressing workplace challenges, and implementing inclusive policies.

It underscores the importance of confidentiality, respect, and proactive support to ensure that transitioning workers receive equitable treatment and feel valued within their work environments.

The guide will be available for download this June.

Full message, including version au Francais can be found Here

Statement on tragedy at Vancouver Lapu-Lapu Day festival

Unifor extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed, and expresses concern for those injured, in the vehicle ramming at the Lapu-Lapu Day festival hosted by the Filipino community in Vancouver.

Our union is deeply saddened to mourn the tragic loss of a beloved member of Unifor Local 114, whose life was taken in this devastating incident. Their passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of their family, friends, and union sisters and brothers. We know that many in the broad Unifor family continue to be directly or indirectly affected by this tragedy. We stand together in grief and solidarity during this incredibly difficult time.

As a sponsor of the event, Unifor joins with the Filipino community and all Canadians in condemning this shocking and tragic act that has taken the lives of at least eleven people and injured many more.

Lapu-Lapu Day, celebrated annually on April 27, honours the memory of Lapu-Lapu, an inspirational Indigenous national hero who stood against Spanish colonization. This day is a powerful reminder of resilience, courage, and the enduring spirit of independence.

Unifor recognizes and deeply values the countless contributions of the Filipino-Canadian community, both within our union and across the fabric of Canadian society.

We are heartbroken that this vibrant celebration of culture and heritage was marred by such senseless violence.

Our union stands firmly alongside the community during this time of mourning and remains committed to offering support and assistance in any way possible.

Resources
For members or their family members who might need assistance, consider the following resources:

Your local union’s Employee and Family Assistance Program

A 24-hour assistance centre that has been established at Douglas Park Community Centre (801 West 22nd). Vancouver Policy officers are Victim Professional services have been deployed to help anyone who has not been able to contact a loved one who was at the Lapu Lapu Day event. If you are not able to attend in person, phone 604-717-3321.


310 Mental Health Line – Provides a toll-free number connecting callers to a BC crisis line. Offers emotional support, information on appropriate referral options, and a wide range of support relating to mental health concerns. Phone: 310-6789

VictimLinkBC – VictimLinkBC is a toll-free, confidential, multilingual service available across B.C. and the Yukon 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be accessed by calling or texting 1-800-563-0808 or sending an email to 211-VictimLinkBC@uwbc.ca. It provides information and referral services to all victims of crime and immediate crisis support to victims of family and sexual violence, including victims of human trafficking exploited for labour or sexual services.

Online chat service for youth (Noon to 1 a.m.)
Online chat service for adults (Noon to 1 a.m.)

BC211.ca – Dial or text 2-1-1 to be connected with a Resource Navigator who will provide information and referral to available social, government, and community supports and services.

If you require any additional support or are not sure where to turn, reach out to your job steward or union representative.

In solidarity,

Lana Payne
National President

May Day statement from Lana Payne

May Day is more than a celebration of past victories—it’s a call to action. A day to recommit ourselves to the struggle for justice, dignity and fairness for the working class and to draw strength from the collective power of working people everywhere.

This year, we mark May 1 under the shadow of escalating attacks on working people. We must remain vigilant against the stripping of union rights, slashing of public services, and the targeting of the most vulnerable workers—especially migrants—with policies rooted in exploitation and division.

In the United States, the return of Donald Trump has brought with it a renewed wave of attacks. With a stroke of a pen, nearly one million public sector workers were stripped of their collective agreements—denied the basic right to union representation.

These actions, emboldened by anti-union CEOs like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, are not isolated—they are part of a broader strategy to weaken the power of workers and concentrate wealth and control in the hands of a few.

Here at home, we’re facing our own fights.

In Quebec, Unifor members are pushing back against Bill 89, legislation that would curtail the right to strike and limit workers’ ability to bargain fairly. In Windsor, Ontario, hundreds (thousands?) of members, retirees and community members came together at the Unifor Protect Canadian Jobs rally to demand good jobs, fair trade, and a manufacturing strategy that puts Canadian workers first.

This is the energy we need—bold, grassroots action that pushes back against erosion of rights at every level.

Globally, we are witnessing a surge of worker resistance. In Argentina, Belgium, Morocco and Greece, unions have mobilized mass general strikes against austerity, cuts to public services, and rollbacks to pension and bargaining rights.

These movements are not just about wages—they are about defending public institutions and the role of workers in shaping their futures.

In the United States, where migrant workers are increasingly targeted by immigration enforcement, unions are stepping up to defend their members from deportation and detention. These actions remind us that the labour movement must never stop fighting for equity—across status, race, gender and geography.

The stakes are high. But history has taught us that workers do not back down.

From factory floors and hospitals to classrooms and courthouses, Unifor members continue to organize, speak out and demand better—not just for ourselves, but for future generations.

On this May Day, we honour the workers who came before us, whose sacrifices built the rights we now defend. We stand with our international allies, whose courage inspires us to fight harder. And we commit to building a future rooted in solidarity, inclusion and justice.

Unions built this country and together, we’ll protect what we’ve built—and keep moving forward.


In solidarity,

Lana Payne
Unifor National President

Unifor MRC invites you to free Toastmasters workshop, April 30


Dear Unifor Members,

The Manitoba Recreation Council (MRC) is excited to invite you to our first official event — a Toastmasters Workshop designed to help you build valuable skills that will benefit you in both your union and personal life.

📅 Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Location: Unifor National Office – 1376 Grant Ave, Winnipeg (Main Floor Conference Room)
💻 Attend in person or via Zoom (link to be provided closer to the date)
💲 Cost: FREE

What is Toastmasters?
Toastmasters is an internationally recognized program that helps people grow their communication and leadership skills in a supportive and fun environment. Whether you’re leading meetings, speaking in front of a crowd, or just want to sharpen your listening and quick-thinking skills — Toastmasters has something for everyone.

⭐ Key Benefits of Toastmasters: ⭐
✔️ Improve your public speaking and meeting skills
✔️ Enhance your listening and communication abilities
✔️ Boost your confidence and quick thinking
✔️ Network and have fun in a supportive environment

While we strongly encourage those in leadership roles to attend, this event is open to ALL Unifor members, no matter your position — anyone who wants to build their skills is welcome!

If you’re out of town or can’t attend in person, but would still like to check out what Toastmasters is all about, we’ve got you covered — a Zoom option will be available so you can join us remotely.

We’d like to thank the local Toastmasters Club, Venio Dictum — proudly serving Winnipeg for over 60 years — for partnering with us to offer this session to Unifor members.

Interested in joining us?
Please send your

Name
Email
Phone Number

to tom.suver@unifor2169.ca so we can sign you up and provide further details as the date approaches.

No need to be shy — Toastmasters is a welcoming and fun environment where everyone starts somewhere. Come out, learn, and have a few laughs with us!

In Solidarity,

Tom Suver
Unifor MRC Chair

Unifor Votes! Election day is April 28th

This week, the largest-ever Unifor votes cohort joined a training to launch our cross-country member-to-member campaign.

Take the first step to get involved in UniforVotes: pledge to vote at uniforvotes.ca.

“This election is critical for our union and for all working people across this country. Given the extremely challenging economic times we live in, there is no doubt that the stakes couldn’t be higher.”

Lana Payne, Unifor National President

March 8 is International Women’s Day!

Sisters, on International Women’s Day, we rise together – unstoppable, unbreakable and united in our shared fight for gender justice. We honour the legacy of the women who came before us—those who organized, resisted, and built the foundations of the rights we hold today. Our fight is far from over. Across workplaces, communities, and nations, women still battle gender-based violence, pay inequity, discrimination, and economic insecurity.

This year marks 30 years since the United Nations Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark commitment to achieving gender equality worldwide. Yet, three decades later, women are still fighting for rights we should not have to defend.

In Canada, we are at the start of what will be years of instability thanks to President Trump’s economic war on our country and our workers. In times of crisis, women often pay a high price. Unifor will do everything that we can to stop this backlash of inequality. Together we will defend jobs, support workers, and protect our public services through the fight ahead.

This year’s international theme, Accelerate Action, is more than a call—it’s a demand. We cannot wait for justice. We will not ask for permission. We will not accept empty promises or slogans, from politicians, from bosses, from anyone. We must defend the gains won by generations of union women before us. And we keep fighting for what is still owed to us—because when we fight, we win.

With a federal election looming, we have the opportunity to raise our voices and demand action with every conversation we have.

As feminists and trade unionists we know that change will only happen when we raise our voices together and take action on issues that will achieve gender equity.

End Gender-Based, Intimate Partner Violence and Harassment—We demand laws that protect survivors and enforce accountability.
Close the Pay Gap—Equity means ensuring women, especially Black, Indigenous, and racialized women and women with disabilities are paid fairly for their work.
Secure Workplace Rights—Fair contracts and good jobs that protect women’s economic independence.
Tackle Systemic Barriers—Women still face discrimination, underrepresentation in leadership, and workplace violence. We fight for real equity, not tokenism.
On this International Women’s Day, let’s march, rally, organize, and rise together. For justice. For equity. For all women and girls.

We rise. We resist. So, we will win.

(Originally posted: Here )

Statement by Lana Payne on tariff pause

“Trump’s tariff announcement was a turning point for our country. The President declared economic war on Canadian workers and our country. There is no turning back. No one should let their guard down at this 30-day pause on the tariffs.

The threat of tariffs and therefore the continued threat of economic harm to the workers of Canada must be front and centre. We know the mere threat of tariffs is damaging to our economy.

As a country, we must use the days ahead to continue to bring Canadians together, to plan for a potential trade war, and to use every single available lever to build a strong, resilient, and diverse economy.

Make no mistake, Canada’s decision to push back hard against these tariffs from the U.S. was an important statement about our resolve and determination. We will need to rely on that resolve in the difficult days ahead.”