National AccessAbility Week Statement

Four worker profiles and text reads, Unifor celebrates National AccessAbility Week
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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.

As a union, we prioritize creating an inclusive environment where every member is able to participate meaningfully within their union and their workplace. We firmly uphold the belief that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, should have equal opportunities to contribute and participate in the decision-making processes of our union. By championing accessibility, inclusion, and belonging, we strive to foster a union that embraces the diverse strengths and contributions of its members, ensuring a workplace environment where everyone can thrive with dignity.

Within our workplaces and within our union, members take these steps towards inclusion: 

  1. Encourage the use of the Inclusive Practices Tool Kit in your local union and workplace.

  2. Challenge your perceptions about disability and consider how your workplace can be made more inclusive.

  3. At your next General Membership Meeting play Unifor’s Workers with Disabilities video.

  4. This week, use Unifor’s social media shareable to highlight the abilities of people with disabilities.

  5. Table bargaining proposals that support and protects the physical and mental wellbeing of members.

National AccessAbility Week serves as a timely reminder that creating a truly inclusive society requires collective effort and continuous commitment. 

Let us work together to remove barriers, challenge misconceptions, and build a future where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and succeed.