Unifor Local 302 President’s Report- January 26, 2026

Unifor Local 302
President’s Report
General Membership Meeting

January 26, 2026

HSCPOA Update

 Back in September it was the position of Unifor the Union to file grievances if an employer was making it mandatory for Employees to register with HSCPOA ahead of our Health Care Conference in October. The message at the Conference was Unifor was meeting with the Minister of Long-Term Care to gather information and make recommendations.

 CUPE had a grievance in the system going to Arbitration and we were awaiting that decision before moving forward. That award came out in mid-December, and the Arbitrator ruled that the requirement to register with HSCPOA is not unreasonable.

 The message is still that those who are working as a PSW in a LTC setting and have not completed an accredited program after July 1, 2014, or have not worked as a PSW at least 600 hours in the last 3 years register with HSCPOA under Pathway 2. The HSCPOA is an independent regulatory body accountable to the Ontario government and was officially established on December 1, 2024. Unifor remains broadly concerned about the impact of HSCPOA on PSWs, namely the potential costs associated with registration and the provisions related to complaints, investigations, and discipline. Currently, there is no registration fee and registration under the HSCPOA remains voluntary.

 We have an upcoming meeting with the Health Care Director in February. We will provide an update at the next General Membership Meeting.

Canadian Health Coalition Lobby

 From February 9th to 11th, 2026 the Canadian Health Care Coalition will be holding a Lobby in Ottawa. This will be the largest lobby effort in the Canadian Health Coalition’s history with over 200 participants, and Unifor is excited to continue our partnership work with the Coalition to defend public health care and advocate for a national pharmacare plan.

 Due to the amount of various unions, community partners and allies, Unifor has been given a limited number of delegate participants. Unifor Local 302 will be sending Michelle Stewardson to this lobby.

 Unifor Health Care Lobby

 Unifor was to hold a Lobby at Queen’s Park from February 23rd-25th, but it was cancelled due to the Ford Government still being out on Christmas Break.

The new dates for this “Care Can’t Wait” Legislative Lobby are May 25th-28th, 2026 in Toronto. More information to follow.

 Ontario Regional Council Meeting

We are pleased to announce the first ORC Executive Board meeting with our new ORC executive, which includes Local 302 members Michelle Flewin and Amy Cake. This will take place January 27th and 28th, 2026.

Noteworthy Dates

 Black History Month

The Canadian theme for Black History Month in Canada in 2026 is "30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow's Visionaries". This theme marks three decades of official recognition, celebrating the enduring legacy, resilience, and contributions of Black Canadians to the nation’s past, present, and future.

 Black History month was first introduced in Canada in 1979 with various provinces officially observing years later. It was first Federally recognized in 1995 in the House of Commons and not achieving the Federal Senate recognition until 2008. 

 Unifor is proud to participate in Black History Events across Canada.

The National Union is hosting Black Resistance:  Honouring Contributions, Advancing Justice: A Unifor Black History Month Celebration.

This inclusive event is taking place Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. at the Unifor National Office, 115 Gordon Baker Road, Toronto. To make this a national event, we are excited to open the celebration for participants through Zoom! For those joining virtually, additional details will be provided to join us once you RSVP! RVSP on unifor.org by February 18, 2026.

Save the date. The London and Area BIWOC committee will be hosting an event at Local 27 on April 9th, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 pm. The theme is Protect Canadian Jobs Solidarity Across Communities. This event is open to all Members.

Random act of kindness day February 17th.

Bargaining Updates

 Ongoing: Holiday Inn, St Mary’s Hospital

Upcoming: Metcalfe Gardens Retirement,

Tentative: Highview Residences, London and Kitchener

Ratified: Longworth Retirement

Slated for Arbitration: Norfolk General Hospital

In Solidarity,

Kevin Phillips
President
Unifor Local 302