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Unifor retirees gathered at the union’s Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, Ont. from Sept. 6 to 11, 2026, for this year’s Retired Workers’ Council.
“The contribution of retirees are seen in all the places and spaces of our union, including in the wonderful legacy of militant trade unionism they have built over decades, as well as the rights they won and we still defend today,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
The theme this Labour Day was ‘Defending workers everywhere,’ a mission which the retirees of our union take on each and every day. This vibrant council is a testament to their lifelong solidarity.
The council opened Sunday evening with a First Nations opening and territorial acknowledgement, followed by Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer Len Poirier welcoming delegates. He told retirees that the true measure of the labour movement is not only its past victories, but whether it prepares future generations to continue the fight.
“The measure of a successful labour movement isn’t simply how many battles we won,” he said.
“It is whether we built people capable of winning the next battle.”
Poirier thanked retirees for building the union and urged them to continue sharing their experience, mentoring younger activists and helping protect Unifor’s strength, values and future.
Throughout the week, delegates tackled resolutions and heard presentations on public health care, retirement security, Canada’s economy, and the ongoing impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian workers and industries.
“These issues affect not only seniors but everyone,” said Retired Workers Council Executive Chair, and National Executive Board member, Les MacDonald.
“There is stress over these situations. ‘Do I eat and not take my medication or the other way around.’ Expanding retiree chapters allow our messages to reach far and wide, provided members take advantage of sharing information. There is strength in numbers. We’re retired from the job, not the fight.”
The council traditionally incorporates the Port Elgin Labour Day parade, where hundreds of Unifor retirees marched down Goderich St., alongside labour activists and allies, waving flags and showing their solidarity to the community, followed by a barbecue lunch at the centre.
The council returned to business Tuesday, with MacDonald delivering his report and Unifor Retired Workers Department Director Erin Harrison providing an update from the Retired Workers Department.
“Retirement doesn’t mean retiring from the fight,” said Harrison.
“Our retired workers have the experience and determination to defend what generations of workers built and an active role to help the next generation carry that work forward.”
Delegates also heard from Benefits Canada, as well as Unifor’s accounting department. With economic uncertainty continuing to affect workers and retirees, the union’s research department delivered a presentation on tariffs and their impact on Canadian workers and the economy.
The council also put the fight to defend universal public health care front and centre, with a presentation from the Canadian Health Coalition on the importance of protecting and strengthening Canada's public health care system.
Delegates also heard reports from retired worker organizations and councils from across the country during an open mic session, providing an opportunity to share campaigns, challenges and successes from their communities.
The council recognized Jim Mitchell from Unifor Local 200 as the 2026 Outstanding Retired Worker of the Year for his years of activism in the UAW, CAW and now Unifor, and his countless volunteer efforts for the United Way, food bank, mission and Unemployed Help Centre. Recently, Mitchell stepped aside as chairperson of Unifor Local 200 retirees, mentoring the next generation of retired workers into the role.
The week concluded with delegates returning home ready to continue organizing in their communities and advocating for workers and retirees.
