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We were born as a union to make positive change.
We're doing it at the bargaining table, but just as importantly, we're doing it in our communities.
We need to make sure that, as an organization, that we lead.
Unions like Unifor in particular have a vital role to play in
building a Canada that we can feel safe, included in, and optimistic about.
On behalf of our people we welcome each and every one of you here.
It’s important for members to come together in order to have a collective voice
in how we face the challenges that are in front of us.
You get riled up and you get back to your local and you pass that on to your members, right?
It’s amazing to see a lot of people that are big leaders, ready to help,
ready to actually pass on the flag and to teach you.
I just got a newly acclaimed position on the BC Regional Council of Unifor.
JOIE WARNOCK: Our new BC Regional council, the renewed standing committees, we’re ready to go.
Everybody is just amazingly loving.
It’s like a large family - we’re a family of 310 000 members.
JERRY DIAS: It really is about getting together, building solidarity, exchanging experiences.
We really are building something special here.
I was really excited to be here today to talk to Unifor delegates primarily because
I wanted to share my new accessibility legislation federally.
Unions play an important role in defending the rights of workers, and have played a key role in moving the markers
on the rights of people with disabilities in the workforce. It’s time to move from a reactive system to a proactive system.
CHARLIE DEMERS: It’s so important that the labour movement take on disability.
Nothing means more to someone who's suffering than to feel the solidarity from their fellow union members.
GEORGE TOMLINSON (Local 111) When Unifor says we are doing a national campaign, that is Unifor stepping up.
JAMES MONKS (Local 433) We have an opportunity here as Unifor to do organizing even better than both of our predecessor unions.
JENNIFER MOREAU (Local 2000) It’s something that people are recognizing, that we’re standing up for them, even if they’re not in a union.
SIMON LAU (Local 2002) The momentum we have built over the past few years will continue to grow.
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We really need to start educating our children, empowering our girls and teaching our boys that violence is wrong.
I feel encouraged to work with fellow union members, because now I’m part of the union as well
and I’m working with all those strong people.
HOPETON HAQUE: Now we have a provincial election coming up in a few months. We need to be active.
Christy Clark is not the economic saviour that they are going to try to make her out to be.
GAVIN MCGARRIGLE, Unifor BC Area Director: Highest child poverty, terrible labour laws, no investment in infrastructure,
attacks on our education system, attacks on our health care system.
So what we need is an aggressive agenda, and we need a working class agenda.
Working people are fundamental to British Columbia’s success.
They’ve been disregarded and ignored, Unifor members understand that, in every sector they participate in, they’re talking,
they’re mobilizing so that we can defeat Christy Clark and the BC Liberals and bring in a government that puts people first.
BEN WILLIAMS, BC Regional Council Chair: We need all hands on deck.
Everybody needs to be part of this to make sure that we can have this happen.
Unions can talk to their young workers about joining a movement of voters.
JERRY DIAS: We need to mobilize our members, we need to mobilize our families, our communities, we need to get people out to vote.
JOHN HORGAN: The Liberals want you to believe that this is as good as it gets.
I want to tell you - I need your help to tell others - that there is a better way, that we can make a better BC.
(CLAPPING)
JOIE WARNOCK: Our delegates are energized and ready to go.
I know that this union is prepared to roll up our sleeves and get the job done, so are you with me?
(CLAPPING)
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