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The Unifor Summer Summit kicked off with a focus on how workers can “Build Back Better” following the COVID-19 crisis.
“It’s about building momentum to make lasting changes to work standards,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias as he welcomed Summit delegates in a live online address. “That can only happen if we push the boundaries of what’s acceptable for workers. That’s how Unifor was built.”
The virtual Summit is a first for Unifor, taking the place of the annual in-person Council which was to be held in Vancouver B.C. at this time.
“These are serious times and serious discussion is needed. We will be hearing members share their experiences, their frustrations, their victories, their needs and their goals,” said Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer Lana Payne. “The road ahead will be filled with very tough challenges and we will win for workers with solidarity and strong demands for workers that we fight for every day.”
Nearly 1000 members from across the country registered to participate in discussions on the future of the union and the fight to improve work and living standards post-pandemic.
“There are a lot of workplaces struggling right now that will need time, and government assistance, to recover,” said Dias. “Everything is on the table. Everything is up for grabs. We have to get ahead of this conversation, to steer this country in a better direction.”
During the online forum, taking place August 19-21, 2020, delegates will hear from union members on panels covering everything from racial justice, issues facing front line workers and the challenge of rebuilding the economy in a way that puts workers first. Unifor leadership including Dias, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer Lana Payne, Quebec Director Renaud Gagné, Atlantic Regional Director Linda MacNeil, Ontario Regional Director Naureen Rizvi and Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle will address members over the three-day summit.
Members will also participate in closed equity forums and regional membership meetings hosted via zoom.
For more information or to register for the remainder of the Summit visit buildbackbetter.unifor.org
Follow on social media using the hashtags #UniforSummit20 and #BuildBackBetter.
