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WHISTLER—More than 200 Unifor leaders and delegates gathered in Whistler for the 2024 B.C. Regional Council to discuss key issues facing B.C.’s workers and make strategic plans for the future.
B.C. Regional Chairperson Leanne Marsh opened the meeting and introduced the cultural ambassadors from the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre who provided a welcome to unceded Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Lil̓wat7úl territories.
Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle provided a report to delegates highlighting the union’s achievements in many sectors over the past year.
“A renewed sense of militancy is building among workers in the face of low wages and high inflation,” McGarrigle said. “It’s inspiring others to demand better from their employers and to hit picket lines.”
McGarrigle emphasized that unions are one of the few organized forces capable of challenging corporate interests and securing fair outcomes for workers. He also praised recent organizing victories across the region.
B.C. Premier and Labour Minister address delegates
B.C. Premier David Eby delivered a keynote address at the council meeting, reiterating his government’s commitment to pro-worker policies, including single-step union certification—a change he called a “ticket to the middle class.” Joined by Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside, Eby fielded questions from members on issues such as privatization in public transit, the forestry industry’s challenges, and eliminating the requirement for sick notes.
“This government is focused on growing the economy in a way that everyone benefits,” Eby told delegates.
Whiteside celebrated recent legislative victories, including successorship rights to curb contract-flipping. “This is a labour government, and friends, it is your government,” Whiteside said. She called on members to continue advocating for justice and equity while acknowledging the urgent work ahead.
National President Lana Payne and the fight for Canadian workers
In her remarks to delegates, National President Lana Payne thanked local leaders, activists, and first-time attendees for their dedication to strengthening the union.
“Unifor has been leading a renewed fight among workers, and it’s contagious,” Payne said. “Our bargaining is benefiting workers across the economy. This is what our world needs more of right now: friendship, kindness, solidarity, and workplace democracy.”
Payne stressed the importance of building worker power to tackle current challenges, including climate change and economic instability. She spent significant time outlining all of the implications to Canadian manufacturing and services if incoming U.S. President Trump’s tariffs are allowed to stand. Payne said the stakes are high, but this fight is what Unifor was built for.
“We have no time to feel sorry for ourselves. We have a world to save, jobs to protect, and rights to defend,” Payne said. “Unifor will continue to be a force for workers.”
Honouring Bill Gaucher’s legacy
Delegates paid tribute to Bill Gaucher, who is stepping down after more than 10 years as B.C. Regional Council Secretary-Treasurer. McGarrigle, Payne, National Secretary-Treasurer Len Poirier, and members of Gaucher’s local were effusive in their praise for his dedication to advancing the rights of workers and his instrumental role in the council’s success.
Len Poirer shows Unifor is getting stronger
National Secretary Len Poirier addressed delegates on the first day of the Council and reviewed the internal mechanisms that are keeping the union’s balance sheet strong and its internal democracy healthy. He also took time to thank members undertaking work to climate proof their workplaces and doing what’s required to ensure that workers are actively involved in decisions about the future of work and a sustainable economy.
Rally for hotel workers
On Saturday, council delegates took to the streets of Whistler Village in a rally supporting hotel workers. Delegates marched to several hotels where Unifor members work, stopping briefly so workers on their breaks could join. Local 3000 units are heading into bargaining in the coming months, with members calling for fair wages, improved working conditions, and better benefits.
Motions and presentations
The council also passed recommendations and resolutions addressing key issues, including improvements in forestry policy and the declaration of intimate partner violence as a public health epidemic. Notable presentations included an overview of the Vancouver Sun and The Province's rich photo archives and Unifor's role in saving this important and vast historical trove when it was in search of a new home earlier this year.
Delegates approved a $10,000 donation to PearlSpace Support Services Society to support its work combating intimate partner violence.
