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Unifor delegates from across the Atlantic, activists and leaders gathered in Saint John, N.B., for the 2026 Atlantic Regional Council (ARC), united by a powerful theme: We're All Worth the Fight.
Throughout the weekend, members from across Atlantic Canada shared stories of victories, challenges and collective action, reinforcing the union’s commitment to protecting workers, strengthening communities and confronting the political and economic pressures facing working people.
“We’re All Worth the Fight is more than a theme for this council. It is a commitment,” Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray told delegates. “A commitment that every worker matters. Every family matters. Every community matters. And every person deserves dignity, respect, and a union that will stand beside them.”
Murray’s report highlighted the people behind the union’s work—from workers facing plant closures and layoffs, to newly organized members fighting for first contracts, to communities rallying together to defend public services and good jobs.
“The real story of our union is found in people,” Murray said. “It's found in workers wondering whether they'll have a job next month. It's found in families trying to navigate uncertainty. It's found in communities fighting to preserve their future. And it's found in the solidarity that emerges when working people decide that nobody should face those struggles alone”
Watch a video of Jennifer Murray’s remarks here.
From protecting jobs in forestry, fishing, manufacturing and offshore energy to defending public health care, advancing action on intimate partner violence and standing up for workers’ rights, delegates heard a consistent message: solidarity remains the strongest tool workers have.
Addressing delegates in her report, Unifor National President Lana Payne warned of growing threats to workers’ rights and called on members to continue organizing and mobilizing.
“We are a union that never stops. A proud union. Because we know that the workers of this country and the communities they support are worth the fight. Every day,” said Payne. “The answer, my friends, is solidarity. It is always solidarity.”
Payne spoke about the ongoing trade war, threats to Canadian industries, attacks on the right to strike and Unifor’s push for industrial policies that put workers at the centre of economic decision-making. She also reaffirmed the union’s opposition to any attempt to weaken collective bargaining rights through the federal labour code review.
Watch a video of Lana Payne’s speech here.
National Secretary-Treasurer Len Poirier used his report to reinforce the importance of accountability, transparency and strong democratic practices within the union.
“The Atlantic region continues to play a vital role in our union’s strength. This small and mighty region covers all sectors from ship building and marine workers to road, rail and air transportation, forestry, manufacturing, healthcare and public services, and more,” said Poirier.
“Your work on the front lines, your advocacy, and your leadership is critical to advance the interests of working people across this country.”
Watch an excerpt of Len Poirier’s remarks here.
Delegates heard about recent victories across the Atlantic region, including the successful fight by ECEs at Munro Academy, the organizing and bargaining efforts of offshore workers aboard the SeaRose, ongoing efforts to protect jobs in forestry and dairy processing, and Unifor’s continued advocacy on behalf of workers affected by tariffs and global economic instability.
Workers' rights and political action were central themes throughout the council. Delegates gathered at Saint John’s Market Square for a rally calling on governments to protect Canadian jobs and support workers facing growing economic uncertainty.
The council also provided an opportunity to spotlight the work being done across the Atlantic region to support vulnerable communities. Delegates heard from representatives of New Brunswick Social Pediatrics and learned about the continued success of Joggin’ the Goggins, an annual 24 hour rowing fundraiser supported by Unifor that helps provide services to children and families in need.
The Council featured a rowing challenge that saw members, staff and leadership take to the rowing machine while Council attendees made donations in support of the charity.
Members also heard from a panel of members representing early childhood education, forestry, fishing and the dairy industry, who shared firsthand perspectives on the fights in their sectors. As well as a panel from members of Local 2121, who shared the ongoing challenges they are experiencing while bargaining a first contract for the SeaRose workers.
A special tribute was held to honour the life and legacy of former Atlantic Regional Director Larry Wark, remembered as a tireless advocate for workers and a leader who helped build and strengthen Unifor throughout the region.
“Larry Wark was a fighter and defender of workers,” Murray told delegates. “Many workplaces wouldn’t be here today if it hadn’t been for him.”
The union’s advocacy against intimate-partner violence (IPV) and gender-based violence was also a central focus of the council. Delegates heard powerful keynote presentations from survivors and advocates who shared their personal experiences and the work they are doing to support women and families impacted by violence. Their stories underscored the importance of education, prevention, survivor supports, and legislative action, while reinforcing the role unions can play in creating safer workplaces and communities.
Unifor Atlantic has been a leading voice in the fight to have intimate-partner violence recognized as an epidemic across the region, hosting symposiums, advocating for policy change and working alongside community organizations to improve supports for survivors. The council highlighted the progress made in recent years with success in having IPV declared an epidemic in three Atlantic provinces, while emphasizing the work that still lies ahead.
“This is what solidarity looks like in action—turning awareness into response, and response into real support for people in crisis,” said Murray. “Behind every policy, every awareness campaign and every support system we create, there is a member who needs to know they are not alone, and that they deserve safety and dignity.”
Delegates also elected a new ARC Executive and Committee members who will help lead the region's work in the years ahead. The elections reflected the strength of member engagement across Atlantic Canada and the commitment of activists who continue to step forward to serve their union.
“Thank you for the opportunity to serve as Chairperson of this incredible Executive,” said ARC Chairperson Adele Jackman. “I’m honoured to take on this role and look forward to building on the great work already being done across our region as we continue fighting for workers and their communities.”
As workers across Atlantic Canada continue to face economic uncertainty, affordability challenges and attacks on workers’ rights, delegates left Saint John with a renewed sense of purpose and solidarity.
“When workers needed support, Unifor was there. When communities were threatened, Unifor was there. When members faced uncertainty, Unifor was there,” Murray said. “And when people needed someone to fight alongside them, Unifor was there. Because we understood something fundamental: We are all worth the fight.”
View Day 1 ARC photo gallery here
View Day 2 ARC photo gallery here
