With so many of our workplaces closed, and members on layoff, the work of our local unions has never been more important. At the same time, many of our locals unions are facing their own financial and operational challenges as their revenues have fallen, sometimes dramatically. The financial challenges are particularly acute for local unions that have paid staff, and those that have buildings or rental offices to sustain.
Many of the government measures put in place to support businesses in response to the COVID-19 pandemic also apply to non-profit organizations, including local unions. And most financial institutions, and some landlords, have adopted new measures to provide financial relief that are also available to local unions.
Local unions are encouraged to take advantage of all available supports to keep their operations going and continue the vital work of supporting our members during the pandemic.
Some of the types of support measures available to local unions include:
- Wage subsidies
- Work-sharing arrangements
- Interest-free loans
- One-time grants
- Payroll tax deferrals
- Rent deferral
- Commercial rent programs
- Mortgage deferrals
- Property tax deferrals
- Utility payment deferrals
We have grouped information on support measures that may be of use to local unions with paid staff; and measures that may be of use to locals with rented offices, buildings, or mortgages.
Where other organizations have compiled useful summaries and descriptions of programs, we have shared them here. Every effort has been made to provide the latest and most accurate information; however, program details and eligibility are evolving regularly. Please always check directly with the respective government program or organization for the latest developments.
