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The mood was one of resolve as Skilled Trades delegates from every corner of the country gathered for the Unifor National Skilled Trades Council, held November 20–22 in Toronto. With the U.S.-driven trade war escalating and uncertainty gripping key industries, the Council convened to confront challenges head-on and chart a path forward for Canada’s tradespeople.
Unifor National Skilled Trades Council Chairperson Ken Anderson set the tone early, offering a candid assessment of the pressures facing Skilled Trades members. From the deepening distrust at Stellantis Brampton to the looming loss of the third shift at GM Oshawa, Anderson described an economic landscape marked by instability and corporate evasiveness.
“It’s a difficult place,” he told delegates. “When you bargain, you need trust, and you can’t take their word for anything anymore.”
With thousands of jobs under threat and communities bracing for the fallout of U.S. economic aggression, Anderson underscored the Council’s unwavering commitment to defending work ownership, calling it the holy grail of Skilled Trades language. Whether supporting members at Diageo, as the international liquor giant plans to close down its Amherstburg, Ontario plant, or confronting multinational automakers, the principle remains the same.
“We’re going to take companies on when it comes to defending work ownership,” Anderson said. He also urged delegates to help strengthen Canada’s economy by buying Canadian as the union heads toward a pivotal 2026.
National President Lana Payne reinforced that message, praising the Council’s impact both inside workplaces and across communities. She highlighted Unifor’s push for national industrial strategies to counter U.S. attacks on Canadian manufacturing and emphasized the indispensable role of Skilled Trades members in rebuilding and retooling the country during this turbulent period.
“This Skilled Trades Council is making a difference, in our communities and in the lives of others,” Payne said. “We want to build big things in Canada. We want to increase the number of Skilled Trades members in our union. We want to protect Canadian jobs.”
The Council also paused for an emotional tribute to retired National Skilled Trades Representative Phil Fryer, recognizing his 35 years of extraordinary service. Anderson described Fryer as an unstoppable visionary, someone who pushed boundaries, challenged complacency, and always had a plan.
“Phil was an innovator,” Anderson said. “He could see the future, he bounced back from anything, and he always maintained his integrity.”
National Skilled Trades Director John Breslin echoed the sentiment: “The respect he commanded and the respect he earned was second to none.”
Fryer, in turn, thanked his home local, Local 112, and members nationwide for their decades of solidarity.
The Council’s commitment to community was further demonstrated through the Bob Chernecki Charity of Choice Award, which this year donated an astounding $30,000 to Coco’s Cocoa for Kids in support of SickKids Hospital with contributions from Unifor National, Unifor National Skilled Trades Council, Unifor Ontario Regional Council and multiple regional Skilled Trades Councils and Local unions.
Delegates applauded 13-year-old Cohen “Coco” Lane, who founded the hot-chocolate stand in his Whitby driveway at age 10. Between 2022-2024, Coco’s Cocoa for Kids raised more than $55,000 with 100% of all donations going directly to SickKids. Cohen’s simple act of kindness earned him the honour of being named SickKids’ first-ever Fundraiser Ambassador.
By the time the Council adjourned, the message was unmistakable: in an era of instability and economic aggression, Unifor Skilled Trades members are standing firm, defending work ownership, fighting for good jobs, and supporting the communities they serve. Together, they are preparing not just to weather the fight ahead, but to help build Canada’s future.
