Unifor Local 302 President’s Report- April 27, 2026
Unifor Local 302
President’s Report
General Membership Meeting
April 27, 2026
April 28, 2026
April 28th is the National Day of Mourning to remember workers killed on the job. We do this by observing a moment of silence at 11:00 am. This is a right in our collective agreements, so please take a minute and remember.
International Worker's Day
On May 1st, Unifor joins unions across Canada and around the globe to mark International Workers' Day — a day where we celebrate workers and the labour movement — from our collective victories to our common struggles.
The ongoing affordability crisis continues to be a challenge for working class communities across Canada. This crisis has been fueled by growing economic inequality exacerbated by global corporate giants who squeeze workers' wages while extracting more wealth for their executives and shareholders. As recently reported by Oxfam International, the richest five men in the world have doubled their fortunes since 2020, while the wealth of 5 billion people has decreased. Further, seven out of ten of the world's largest corporations have either a billionaire CEO or a billionaire as their principal shareholder.
Red Dress Day
May 5th is Red Dress Day, a day of awareness for the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited individuals (MMlWG2S), and a time to express our deep solidarity with their families. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls has laid out 231 recommendations for ending the violence. The Inquiry's report calls out the ongoing cycle of violence and systemic discrimination that has resulted from Canada’s colonial past. By ignoring or underfunding support for Indigenous communities, colonial violence has been perpetuated by governments in every region.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness week was from May 4th-10th, 2026. The purpose of the week is to raise awareness and break the stigmas about mental health and addiction.
Together, we will demonstrate our commitment to building better working conditions, learning how to support those struggling with mental health and addiction issues, and recommit ourselves to taking action and asking for help when we need it.
National Nursing Week
During National Nursing Week, May 11th -17th, 2026, Unifor proudly honours the dedication and unwavering commitment of Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) across Canada. Unifor represents 4,000 Registered or Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses who work in hospitals, private and municipal tong-term care homes.
Today, RPNs are foundational to the health care system and are often assigned responsibilities in a scope of practice nearly the same as RNs.
As we celebrate this week, let us also commit to enhancing the professional environment for RPNs and LPNs, ensuring they can continue to excel and lead in their roles.
To all RPNs and LPNs: we see your hard work, your dedication, and your passion. Thank you for changing lives today and shaping the health care of tomorrow.
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
Each year on May 17th, Unifor joins a global community of advocates and activists to raise awareness and take action to combat the challenges, discrimination, and violence faced by queer and trans workers everywhere on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.
2SLGBTQlA+ individuals are currently being targeted by hate-promoting movements in Canada. We see this in aggressive, divisive United States-style policy changes impacting schools across the country. We see this in how trans and gender-diverse people's access to necessary care is being blocked. We see this in the way discussions on identify and sexual diversity in schools is being restricted, further stigmatizing those struggling to find community, representation, and to better understand gender, identity, and expression.
When the rights of any group of people are put at risk or outrightly taken, we too must consider the rights we all currently enjoy and how long they will last. These rights are not guaranteed; they are fought for and Unifor will continue to do so.
Personal Support Workers Day
Unifor proudly recognizes the dedication and care provided by Personal Support Workers (PSWs) in Ontario on the occasion of Personal Support Worker Day on May 19th. These health care heroes are essential to the well-being of every community, providing compassionate support and expert care that impacts countless lives every day.
This year, we celebrate not only their daily contributions, but also a significant victory for all public sector health care workers in Ontario.
PSWs have always been at the heart of our healthcare system, often performing their duties under challenging conditions, which were exacerbated by the pandemic. They have faced increased risks and have demonstrated resilience and professionalism during the most trying times. It is only fair and just that their commitment is met with the respect and support it deserves.
Paramedic Services Week
Unifor proudly honours the relentless and unwavering commitment of paramedics to mark Paramedic Services Week from May 17th to May 23rd, 2026.
Paramedics are on the front lines of medical emergencies, providing critical interventions from the moment of contact to the transfer of care at medical facilities
The resilience of paramedics has been tested by continuous demands for increased efficiency with fewer resources, a challenge made worse by current legislative measures that threaten the integrity of the public health care system.
We stand in solidarity with EMS workers, advocating for better working conditions, fair compensation, and sufficient resources to ensure they can perform their lifesaving duties effectively.
London Pride 2026
This year the London Pride Parade is being held on Sunday July 19th, 2026. The Local will be holding meetings for this event on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 pm. Light refreshments will be provided.
Family Fun Day
A reminder, that registration is open for this year’s Family Fun Day at East Park London. Deadline for registration is end of day May 29th, 2026.
Scholarships
The annual Scholarships for Unifor Local 302 members and family are being accepted now. Every year we offer 5 $1000.00 scholarships to our members entering an education program and to their family members that are entering post-secondary education programs. Please contact Maeda at the office for a registration form (519) 951-0302. We will be accepting applications until June 26th, 2026.
Local By-Law Changes
Local 302 is in the process of updating its By-laws to bring them in line with current practices and align with changes to the National Constitution 2025.
The changes will be read at the General Membership meeting tonight and will be discussed and voted upon at the following General Membership meeting on May 25th, 2026. This will take place over the next couple of meetings until all the changes have been addressed.
Bob White Charity Classic
The 19th annual Bob White Charity Classic golf tournament will take place on Monday August 17th, 2026, at the Craigowan Golf Club, located at #595838 Hwy 59 North, RR #6, Woodstock, Ontario. Shotgun start at 9:00 am sharp.
To register for this event please call Maeda at the office 519 951-0302. There are 8 spots available.
The Intimate Partner Violence Lobby
A Lobby is being held at Queen’s Park from May 4th -7th, 2026 to encourage Politicians to pass a Bill declaring Intimate Partner Violence an epidemic. Local 302 has 2 participants at this Lobby.
Ontario “Care Can’t Wait” Legislative Lobby Week
May 25th – 28th, Unifor will be holding the “care can’t wait” Lobby at Queens Park. This is an effort to protect Public Health Care in Ontario and Local 302 is sending 4 participants to this lobby.
Fill The Train
Unifor and the Ontario Health Coalition are sending trains from all over Ontario to Toronto on May 28th for a rally at Queen’s Park to further make a statement about saving Public Health Care here in Ontario. Members will walk from Union station to the Sheraton, then up University Avenue to Queen’s Park.
In Solidarity,
Kevin Phillips
President
Unifor Local 302