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Delegates at the third Constitutional Convention adopted the 2019 Unifor Bargaining Program, Stronger Together. This program outlines the challenges ahead, assesses progress made toward achieving the overarching goals of the union and sets specific goals for the years ahead.
“From the earliest days of the labour movement workers have always aimed to establish common wages and working conditions - in their workplaces, industries and even across the economy,” said Unifor Research Director Bill Murnighan.
“The goals have been to raise the floor for everyone, and make sure employers cannot pit workers against one another.”
Since its founding, Unifor has provided in-depth market analysis, observed developing trends in workplaces across the country and used its considerable expertise to inform, guide and support bargaining committees large and small.
At Unifor, nearly half of our members bargain in some form of coordination within their sector, often known as master or pattern bargaining. These coordinated efforts add to the strength of individual committees and offer incredible opportunities for sharing best practices, innovative language and important advances for workers.
This year’s priorities reflect current challenges such as the steady decline of “good jobs” as companies move to out-source and replace full time workers in favour of part time workers. We are also watching as technological change and automation continues to threaten jobs.
“No one has felt the uncertainty of these economic and trade-related headwinds more than Canadian workers,” Unifor Researcher Angelo DiCaro said.
The priorities for 2019 also build on the incredible work done since 2016.
Key achievements toward equity include having 375 active Women’s Advocates across Canada through our internationally-recognized Women’s Advocate Program; targeting incidences of unpaid internships and increasing employment opportunities for young workers.
The union has also negotiated Paid Education Leave (PEL) and encourages participation in education courses for equity-seeking groups; and continues to develop joint labour-management committees and processes to investigate and deal with workplace harassment.
More and more agreements are also adopting gender-neutral language, and important job security provisions.
Read the full 2019 Bargaining Program adopted at Unifor’s third Constitutional Convention for full details on the 2019 priorities.
