Women’s shelter staff join Unifor

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Nine staff members at a women’s shelter in Northwestern Ontario have voted to join Unifor.

“I am so proud to welcome these workers to Unifor. They do such important work,” Unifor National President Jerry Dias said.

Workers at the Rainy River District Women’s Shelter of Hope in Atikokan voted to join Unifor in an online ballot last week. The workers provide much-needed supports for families in crisis, including shelter, a crisis line, counselling and supports, and also assist with fundraising.

“Women fleeing violence in the home need a safe place to go with their children. These workers help create a better society for all of us,” Dias said.

Unifor is a strong supporter of shelters across Canada, including annual participation in Hope in High Heels fundraising activities, donations from the union’s Social Justice Fund and the work of its Women’s Department. Many Unifor collective agreements include domestic violence provisions.

“Representing the workers in women’s shelters is a natural fit for Unifor, and we look forward to giving these workers a voice in the workplace,” Unifor Organizing Director Kellie Scanlan said.