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Unifor members from across the country gathered in Port Elgin May 30 - June 1 to mark a historic milestone—25 years since the union’s first-ever Pride Conference.
Since its founding, Unifor and its predecessor unions have worked to create space for queer and trans workers to lead, organize, and build a movement rooted in justice, inclusion, and collective strength. In 2000, predecessor union CAW held the first Pride Conference in Port Elgin. At this year’s conference, delegates honoured that history while confronting the urgent challenges of today.
“Unifor doesn’t just talk about inclusion—we bargain for it, we build power through it, and we defend it at every level,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne in her keynote address. “Queer and trans workers have always led the way—and we are just getting started”.
The weekend included a powerful panel titled Countering the Rise of the Far Right, featuring Fae Johnstone from Momentum Canada, Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah from Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, and Henri-June Pilote, a trans speaker and content creator who spoke candidly about the growing threats facing queer and trans communities and the critical role workers can play in pushing back. Together, they explored how organizing, collective bargaining, and worker solidarity can build a society where everyone belongs.
That message resonated strongly given the current geopolitical climate. From legislative rollbacks to a spike in hate crimes, queer and trans communities—especially youth—face growing attacks not just in the United States, but in Canada too.
Stephanie Johnston, who attended the very first CAW Pride Conference in 2000 and delivered heartfelt remarks at the current conference’s Queer Prom Gala Dinner, reflected on the evolution of the movement and conference: “Everything I did, I did for all of you,” she said. “It’s time for me to hand over the torch… and I know it’s in good hands”.
Johnston, now 75, shared stories of marching with homemade banners, creating space through caucuses, and the early days of building a queer labour movement from the ground up.
The weekend also included skill-building workshops on bargaining gender-affirming health care, confronting hate in the workplace, and strengthening Pride committees across Unifor locals. Delegates discussed a Canadian Council Recommendation, introduced by Payne in 2023, which calls for equity audits, stronger healthcare protections for queer and trans members, and the establishment of 2SLGBTQIA+ Advocates in every workplace.
“This conference isn’t just a celebration,” said Billy O’Neil, one of the lead organizers of the event and a Unifor National Representative. “It’s a space to share strategies, sharpen our tools, and support one another in this fight. It’s about building a union where everyone sees themselves reflected and protected.”
The closing keynote came from Joanna Johnson—an Ajax teacher turned online sensation with more than 3.4 million TikTok followers. Known for her sharp wit and no-nonsense podcast Unlearn16: Class is in Session, Johnson urged delegates to challenge bias wherever it appears and keep pushing the envelope.
As Pride Month begins, Unifor members are ready to take what they’ve learned back to their locals, workplaces, and communities. The fight for queer and trans rights continues—and with 25 years of organizing behind them, Unifor activists are more committed than ever to winning a future where love, dignity, and justice prevail.
