Unifor Local 302 President’s Report- JUNE 23, 2025
Buzz Hargrove
On behalf of all of us at Unifor, we extend our deepest condolences, love and solidarity to Buzz’s family, his loved ones, and his many friends across the labour movement. We are mourning alongside you.
Buzz Hargrove was unmatched in so many ways. He was a true fighter for working people, a wonderful and generous human, and an outstanding trade union leader.
Buzz was more than a former union president—he was a giant in the Canadian labour movement and a fierce, uncompromising champion for workers. His legacy is etched into the very fabric of Unifor and will continue to guide us for generations to come. Buzz never forgot his roots. Born in Bath, New Brunswick, one of ten children, he carried his working-class values from the shop floor of Chrysler’s Windsor Assembly Plant all the way to national leadership. From his early days as a steward making seat cushions to his pivotal role in the CAW’s break from the UAW, Buzz helped build a proudly independent and Canadian voice for workers.
As National President of the CAW from 1992 until his retirement in 2008, Buzz led negotiations with some of the country’s largest employers—GM, Ford, Chrysler, Air Canada, CN Rail—always with the goal of raising standards for all. But his vision went beyond contracts. He believed deeply in social unionism, fighting for public health care, retirement security, equity, and social justice. He was tenacious and relentless, and a great leader who inspired generations of union activists. What many might not know is his patience and generosity in sharing his many skills and knowledge with others. Buzz showed us what it means to lead with heart, intellect, and courage. He never backed down from a fight if it meant defending workers and building a fairer country. Even after retirement, Buzz remained an active and powerful voice for labour. His contributions were recognized with multiple honorary degrees and, in 2008, his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Our union has lost an incredible champion. His memory will live on in the work we do every day to fight for justice, fairness, and dignity for all workers.
Anti Scab Legislation
As of June 20, 2025, federal anti-scab legislation is officially law. This means that in federally regulated workplaces, employers can no longer use scab labour during legal strikes or lockouts. This is a win for every worker who has ever walked a picket line, fought for fairness, and demanded respect at the bargaining table. This didn’t happen by accident. It happened because Unifor members refused to give up. Together, we organized, we mobilized, and we pushed the federal government to act. This new law is proof of what we can achieve when we fight together. Make no mistake, this is a historic change. It's one of the most significant updates to the Canada Labour Code in a generation, and it shifts the balance back in favour of working people. It strengthens your right to free and fair collective bargaining and recognizes what we’ve always known: that no employer should be allowed to break a union’s power by bringing in scabs.
Elections
Local 302 had elections for the Executive Board, which saw 11 people running for 7 positions. Voting was held June 2nd to June 5th with the results being released on June 6th. As a result of that election, a runoff election for the position of President was held June 9th to June 12th with the results being released on June 13th. We are going to have some changes to our Executive Board in the fall, with three new members being elected. We would like to thank Carol Morrison, Annet Loro, and Mike Hakkers for the time they served with our Executive, and their time and effort they put into everything they did for the Local. It was a pleasure working with every one of you, thank you.
June 10th Rally
The Local held a very successful Rally in Simcoe to support the workers at Norfolk General Hospital on June 10th. This followed an information leafletting on the Saturday prior to set the record straight on the Employer proclaiming themselves in the paper as being a great Employer.
Family Fun Day
Family Fun Day is just a little over two weeks away and we can’t wait to see everyone that registered for Saturday July 12th. This year we have just under 1000 people registered, our largest turnout yet.
Pride Parade
Local 302 will be participating in the London Pride Parade this year along with other area Unifor Local’s. The parade is being held on July 19th, and we will be meeting at the London fairgrounds.
Constitutional Convention
Unifor’s Constitutional Convention is being held in Vancouver this August, and it already has people announcing their interest in running for some of the top positions in the Union. Local 302 has a delegation of 6 that will be attending.
Labour Day
September 1st, 2025 is Labour Day and we will post any information we receive with respect to celebrations going on in London on our Local’s website.
DHL Strike
DHL warehouse and clerical workers are on the picket line. Please, if you are able to go out and stand on the line with these members to show support, the London picket line is on White Oak Road.
Greetings
On behalf of the Executive Board, we wish everyone a safe and joyous summer, and we will see you in the fall on September 22nd for our next General Membership Meeting.
In Solidarity,
Kevin Phillips
President
Unifor Local 302