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Unifor marked the UN World Day for Social Justice on February 20, 2026, with a webinar focused on migration, highlighting the growing criminalization of migrant workers and asylum seekers and the role of unions and NGOs in defending human rights across borders.
“World Day for Social Justice is a reminder that our commitment to equity, dignity and human rights does not stop at our workplaces or our borders,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Through the Social Justice Fund, Unifor members turn solidarity into action by supporting grassroots organizations that are advancing justice for workers and vulnerable communities around the world.”
Juliette Malfaisan of Equal Legal Aid described how Europe’s asylum system is increasingly shaped by detention, deterrence, and pushbacks that prevent people from safely seeking protection. In Greece, she said, legal and administrative barriers leave many asylum seekers confined in substandard conditions, while new laws are expanding the criminalization of solidarity and legal advocacy.
From Canada, Jenn McIntyre of the Canada–US Border Rights Clinic outlined the impact of the Safe Third Country Agreement, which generally prevents people from making refugee claims at the Canada–US land border. Those found ineligible are typically returned to the United States and almost certainly detained. The clinic provides free legal information and preparation to help families understand their rights and avoid devastating consequences, while also challenging unjust border decisions.
“The Social Justice Fund allows our members to directly support international partners who are defending human rights and strengthening worker-led movements on the ground.” Director, International Department and Social Justice Fund, Navjeet Sidhu. “These projects reflect our belief that solidarity is not symbolic, it is practical, sustained and global.”
Gonzalo Mercado of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) spoke about rising fear in immigrant communities in the United States, where intensified immigration enforcement has left many workers afraid to leave their homes. He highlighted grassroots responses such as the Adopt a Corner initiative, which mobilizes neighbours to support day labourers, document enforcement activity, and build mutual-aid networks, and called for stronger transnational labour solidarity.
The webinar also featured Unifor member Yolanda Cornwall of Local 2002, co-founder of Project Malawi, which delivers rural health clinics and feeding programs. She emphasized that international solidarity means recognizing that workers and families in Malawi deserve the same dignity and access to healthcare as workers and families in Canada.
The event reinforced a clear message: defending migrant rights is inseparable from defending workers’ rights, and solidarity—locally and globally—remains central to social justice work.
