Unifor Local 302 President’s Report- January 22, 2024
Unifor Local 302
Presidents Report
General Membership Meeting
January 22, 2024
Rally’s
On December 21, 2023, Local 302 joined Local 1106 and members from other area Locals and National staff at Forest Heights Long Term care Home in Kitchener at an information picket on the pay issues that are happening at all the Extendicare facilities across the province. The workers in these facilities have not been paid properly since the introduction of the new multimillion-dollar payroll system (workday) was rolled out in late spring of 2023.
Local 302 held similar pickets at Extendicare London on January 16, 2023, and Extendicare Port Stanley on January 17,2023. Both pickets were well supported by enthusiastic workers.
There is another rally being held February 6, 2024, in Toronto outside the Sheraton Centre Hotel from 11:00am – 1:00pm. This rally is in support of Ontario Hospital Worker Bargaining. UNIFOR with SEIU, and CUPE are organizing the rally in support of central bargaining efforts and is a crucial platform to demand fair staff-to-patient ratios, equitable compensation, and no concessions.
The National will be running buses to this event. Please check with the Local for times and locations of bus departures in your area.
Retirement Workshop
Retirement is something we are going to face. It’s better to start sooner, rather than later. The Unifor Planning for your Future covers topics you need to think about to prepare for the next phase of your life.
Keynote presenters will discuss topics to help you start your personal retirement plan. A Service Canada representative provides an interactive presentation on the Canada Pension Plan and the Old Age Security legislation. A legal representative will discuss the importance of having a Will and the various types of Power of Attorneys. A financial advisor will offer basic financial information and answer any questions you may have on your retirement goals.
This 2-day workshop will be held on February 27th and 28th from 9:00am-3:30pm. at Local 88 Union Hall, 364 Victoria Street, Ingersoll, Ontario.
Space is limited, please register with the Local 88 Resource Centre (519) 425-0952 ext#104, or resource@unifor88.ca by 3:00pm on February 12th.
Family Fun Day
This year Family Fun Day will be held on July 13th at East Park, 1275 Hamilton Road, London, Ontario. The registration deadline is May 31, 2024. See flyer for details in this month’s mail out.
Black History Month
February is Black History Month and was first recognized by the Canadian Government in 1995 in the House of Commons, following a motion introduced by the Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine.
Unifor membership, leadership and communities will celebrate Black History meaningfully.
Below are tips to help celebrate Black History Month in a meaningful way.
Celebrate and acknowledge Black history throughout the year.
Celebrate Black history with everyone.
Center Black History celebrations around diversity, inclusion and equity commitments and practices.
If you don’t have diversity, inclusion and equity commitments and practices, create them.
Eliminating anti-Black ideology and methods in organizations
Provide resources for Black businesses, culture centers, and community groups for everyone.
Celebrate the present, not just the past.
Do your learning at your own pace.
We also ask them to recognize Black Unifor members, not only in February, but each day of the year, support Black members in roles in all levels of the union, respect and value the contributions and views of Black members to combat anti-Black racism and to continue to remove barriers in institutions that prevent Black members from fully participating.
We need to ensure physical and emotional health for all Black Canadians and continue to celebrate, appreciate and acknowledge Black communities across the country.
In Solidarity,
Kevin Phillips
President
Unifor Local 302