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Delegates to the founding convention of Unifor endorsed a new model of unionism this afternoon by embracing the new union’s unique plan to establish community chapters across Canada.
“We are facing increasing unemployment and an increase in precarious jobs,” Roxanne Dubois, who is coordinating the community chapter program, told the delegates.
Delegates voted unanimously to adopt the policy paper, "Broadening Union Citizenship: Unifor’s Members in Community Chapters."
Delegates spoke in favor of community chapters as a way to extend the benefits of unionism to all Canadians.
Dubois said community chapters could be formed in a number of different circumstances, including among freelance workers, contract or agency workers, homeworkers, workers in precarious jobs, the self-employed and workers in unsuccessful union drives.
As an example, Dubois introduced freelance journalists, bike couriers and United Church clergy members attending the Unifor convention.
“We want to redefine how the public defines unions,” Dubois said.
Most community chapters would be affiliated with a willing local, and would give members access to benefits, advocacy and training.
Gary Engler, vice-president of Local 2000 representing media workers in BC, said his local plans to set up a community chapter to represent digital media workers, including those developing games.
