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More than 40 Unifor, CUPE and USW members gathered in Calgary from Oct. 13 to 15 for the fourth joint “Labour Votes” training session mobilizing union members for Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum. It comes on the heels of a successful mail-in ballot blitz, and this week’s focus was turning that momentum into votes at the polls.
“We needed to keep expanding the training because of enthusiastic demand from rank-and-file-members,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle. “Working people want the facts on what this referendum means for their jobs, their pensions and their families. The best person to share those facts is a coworker they trust.”
Members of Unifor Locals 531, 2002, 1990, 101-R and 530-A took part. Over three days, participants reviewed the latest polling and the ballot questions, practised responding to common arguments, and planned get-out-the-vote work. Each evening, they put those skills to use in volunteer activities.
“Our members came here to learn how to talk with their coworkers, listen to their concerns and make sure they get out to vote,” said Christina Dingman, President of Unifor Local 1990. “We are proud Albertans, and we want a strong Alberta in a united Canada. That is worth showing up for.”
