Welcome
Welcome to the second Unifor Convention.
Our union was founded on Labour Day, in August
of 2013, on the premise that workers needed a new
union, one that had a modern approach to unionism
to meet the challenges facing Canadians from coast to
coast to coast. In the past three years, members, locals,
activists, and the National Executive Board have done a
tremendous amount of work to build a strong, effective
union. Together, we have made gains for members in
bargaining, defended the rights of workers, supported and
funded equity work and social justice projects, and we
have pushed and changed the political terrain across the
country. After three years there is much to celebrate, and
much more to do!
This Convention is a moment to reflect on our victories
and to celebrate, but it is also about charting a path
forward to continue to push for progressive change for
workers and to create a socially just world for all.
It’s time!
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Table of Contents
Anti-Harassment Statement
7
Agenda and Equity Caucus Meetings
12 Keynote Speakers
Table of Contents
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15 Award Recipients
18 Musicians
20 Rules and Guidelines
CONVENTION 2016 Unifor Rules of Order
Hotel Do’s and Don’ts
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Anti-Harassment Statement
Anti-Harassment Statement
Every individual has the right to dignity and respect within
the union and within the workplace. Creating and preserving
a safe harassment-free environment at all union activities,
events and meetings is our collective responsibility.
Unifor will not tolerate or condone words or actions that
undermine the dignity or self-esteem of any individual
or which create an intimidating, hostile or offensive
environment. Any form of harassment within the union
environment undermines our solidarity and runs contrary
to our commitment to equality. Any such harassment may
result in sanctions pursuant to this Policy.
Harassment is not a joke. It is unwelcome, unwanted and
uninvited. It is an expression of power or perceived power
by the harasser(s). Harassment includes words and actions
which humiliate, insult or degrade. It may include, but is not
limited to, unwanted comments, slurs, racist or sexist jokes,
pictures or posters, bullying or intimidation, graffiti, physical
contact of any kind, remarks about a person’s appearance
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CONVENTION 2016 or personal life, unwelcome sexual advances or demands,
suggestive looks or gestures, mockery of religious practices
or customs or desecration of religious imagery.
Harassment that violates human rights legislation, on any
prohibited ground, violates this policy. Bullying and personal
harassment are equally offensive to union principles and
may also result in sanction under this Policy. Bullying
is the assertion of power through aggression, physical
or otherwise and can include intentional isolation of an
individual or group. It usually involves repeated incidents
or a pattern of behaviour that is intended to intimidate,
offend, degrade or humiliate a particular person or group
of people. Expression of differing opinions is expected in
every organization and such expression does not, on its own,
constitute a violation of this Policy.
If you believe you have been harassed you are encouraged
to take action. If you are able to express that the offensive
words or conduct are unwelcome you are encouraged to do
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Unifor commits to taking every harassment complaint
seriously and will treat each incident with sensitivity and
confidentiality. Informal resolution is always encouraged
and may include, but is not limited to, apologies, reprimands
or removal from the event. If a matter cannot be resolved
by informal processes or where a complainant desires, a
formal complaint may be filed in writing to the National
Anti-harassment Coordinator at the National Office. The
designated Ombudsperson(s) can provide direction on the
process of filing a formal complaint. Where the safety of any
individual is compromised appropriate authorities will be
contacted.
For the Unifor function the designated ombuds are:
Mohamad Alsadi 416-788-0846 [email protected]
Niki Lundquist
CONVENTION 2016 Anti-Harassment Statement
so. If you are unable or if you are uncomfortable doing so, or
if the behaviour persists, you are encouraged to approach an
ombudsperson for assistance.
Creating a safe harassment-free
environment at all union
activities, events and meetings
is our collective responsibility.
416-566-6854 [email protected]
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Tweet, tweet, tweet
We encourage all attendees to share thoughts on Twitter and
Facebook throughout the convention. Using #Unifor2016,
everyone will be able to contribute and share highlights,
including those who could not attend in person. If you have
questions about using social media during Convention, please
see a representative at the Communications table.
#Unifor2016
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Convention Agenda
New Delegate Workshop
CONVENTION 2016 6:00 p.m.
Call to Order
9:30 a.m.
Aboriginal Welcome
9:45 a.m.
Meeting Business
10:00 a.m.
President’s Address
10:45 a.m.
General Resolutions Committee
11:30 a.m.
BREAK
12:30 p.m.
Convention Video
2:30 p.m.
Report of the Secretary Treasurer
2:45 p.m.
Constitution Resolutions Committee
3:15 p.m.
Introduction of International Delegates
4:30 p.m.
Adjournment
5:00 p.m.
Welcome Reception
7:00 p.m.
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Convention Agenda
Monday August 22
Sunday August 21
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Convention Agenda
Tuesday August 23
Call to Order
9:00 a.m.
Convention Video
9:10 a.m.
Keynote Speaker: Sharan Burrow
9:20 a.m.
Bargaining Program Presentation
9:40 a.m.
Bargaining Program Committee Resolutions 10:00 a.m.
Report of Quebec Director
11:00 a.m.
Reports of Regional Directors
11:30 a.m.
Nomination of Officers and Regional Directors
Motion to Affirm Quebec Director
2:00 p.m.
Keynote Speaker: Régine Laurent
2:45 p.m.
General Resolutions Committee
3:15 p.m.
Presentation to Retiring Officers
3:45 p.m.
Constitutional Resolutions Committee
4:15 p.m.
Adjournment
5:00 p.m.
Nomination of Regional Directors in Caucus 12:15 p.m.
BREAK
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CONVENTION 2016 12:30 p.m.
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Call to Order
9:00 a.m.
Keynote Speaker: Premier Rachel Notley
2:30 p.m.
Recognition of Aboriginal Leaders
9:00 a.m.
Election of Officers
3:00 p.m.
Presentation of Neil Reimer Award
9:30 a.m.
Constitutional Resolutions Committee
3:15 p.m.
Social Justice Fund
3:45 p.m.
Organizing Program
4:00 p.m.
Keynote Speaker:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
10:00 a.m.
N’we Jinan Artists – Aboriginal Children’s
Choir and Raiyah Patel
10.30 a.m.
Adjournment
5:00 p.m.
Presentation of Nelson Mandela Award
11:00 a.m.
Convention Reception and Social Evening*
6:30 p.m.
March to Parliament Hill
11:30 a.m.
BREAK
12:30 p.m.
Convention Agenda
Wednesday August 24
*Convention reception will be held at the Canadian Museum of History at 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, Quebec.
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Convention Agenda
Thursday August 25
Call to Order
9:00 a.m.
Call to Order
9:00 a.m.
Keynote Speaker: Hassan Yussuff
9:00 a.m.
Oath of Office
9:00 a.m.
Aboriginal and Workers of Colour Program
9:30 a.m.
Unifor Strikers
9:10 a.m.
Local Union Task Force Presentation
9:45 a.m.
Unifor Syrian Refugee families
9:30 a.m.
Local Union Task Force Recommendations
10:15 a.m.
General Resolutions Committee
10:00 a.m.
Constitution Committee
11:30 a.m.
President’s Concluding Remarks
11:00 a.m.
BREAK
12:30 p.m.
Solidarity Forever and Adjournment
12:00 p.m.
Keynote Speaker: Kacem Afaya
2:30 p.m.
Presentation of Bud Jimmerfield Award
3:00 p.m.
General Resolutions Committee
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Friday August 26
3:15 p.m.
Constitutional Resolutions Committee
4:00 p.m.
Adjournment
5:00 p.m.
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Equity Caucus Meetings
Monday August 22
Women’s Luncheon
Lunch
Room 214
LGBTQ
8:00 a.m.
Room 209
Workers with disAbilities
8:00 a.m. Room 212
Aboriginal and Workers of Colour
Upon adjournment
Room 214
Lunch Room 212
Tuesday August 23
Equity Caucus Meetings
All meetings will occur in the Shaw Convention Centre in the room
designated below.
Wednesday August 24
Young Workers
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Keynote Speakers
Keynote Speakers
Sharan Burrow
Kacem
RégineAfaya
Laurent
General Secretary, International
Trade Union Confederation
President,
Quebec Federation
Trade
Union Congress
of
of Nurses
Tunisia
@SharanBurrow
Sharan Burrow was elected General Secretary of the ITUC
at its Second World Congress in Vancouver, June 2010 and
re-elected at its Third Congress, in Berlin, May 2014.
Sharan was born in New South Wales (NSW), Australia
into a family with a long history of union involvement and
activism. After starting her career as a high school teacher,
she soon became a union organizer and since then has
been elected in leadership roles for the NSW Teachers’
Federation, the Australian Education Union, Education
International, and the Australian Council of Trade Unions
(ACTU). Sharan has repeatedly been the first woman
elected to many of these leadership positions.
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CONVENTION 2016 @RegineLaurent
Régine Laurent is the President of the Fédération
interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec (FIQ) a
union organization that represents 66,000 healthcare
professionals in nursing and cardiorespiratory care.
Nurse by profession and union activist since 1984, Régine
Laurent never hesitates to staunchly defend the members
she represents and to fight for the preservation of a just
and united society in Quebec. She was at the heart of
the fight for salary equity and recently guided healthcare
professionals through negotiations with the Government of
Quebec.
Before being elected as president of the FIQ in June 2009,
Régine Laurent occupied many leadership roles within the
union.
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Rachel Notley
Prime MInister of Canada
Premier of Alberta
@JustinTrudeau
@RachelNotley
Born on December 25, 1971, Justin Trudeau is Canada’s 23rd
Prime Minister.
A teacher, father, advocate, and leader, Mr. Trudeau’s vision
of our country is a place where everyone has a shot at
success because we have the confidence and leadership to
invest in Canadians.
Mr. Trudeau married Sophie Grégoire, a Quebec TV and
radio host, in 2005. In subsequent years, they became the
proud parents of Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien.
Mr. Trudeau was elected Leader of the Liberal party in April
of 2013 and sworn in as Prime Minister on November 4,
2015, with an equal number of men and women in Cabinet
— a first in Canada’s history.
CONVENTION 2016 Rachel Notley leads Alberta’s first New Democratic
government, with a strong majority and a diverse caucus
including the highest percentage of women of any
government in Canada.
Keynote Speakers
Justin Trudeau
Rachel became party leader in 2014 and on May 5, 2015,
led the NDP to a historic win that swept the Progressive
Conservative party from office after almost 44 years.
Rachel Notley’s New Democrat party ran on a platform
that promised to support economic diversification and job
growth, restore honest and open government, preserve and
build the health care and education systems, and rebalance
government revenues to make them more fair.
Rachel and her husband, Lou Arab, live with their two
teenage children in Edmonton.
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Keynote Speakers
Hassan Yussuff
Kacem
KacemAfaya
Afaya
President, Canadian Labour
Congress
Deputy
Secretary-General,
Trade
Union
Congress of
General Union of Tunisian
Tunisia
Workers (UGTT)
@hassan_yussuff
Hassan Yussuff was elected in May 2014 as the first person
of colour to lead the country’s labour movement.
Coming to Canada from Guyana at age 16, Yussuff trained
to be a heavy truck mechanic and quickly became a union
activist. Legendary Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) leader
Bob White noticed Yussuff and recruited him to become a
senior staff member at the CAW–now Unifor.
In 1999, Hassan was elected as an Executive Vice President
of the Canadian Labour Congress and later served four
terms as Secretary-Treasurer.
Hassan was elected president of the Trade Union
Confederation of the Americas (TUCA) in 2012, heading
an international labour group representing more than 50
million workers in 29 countries.
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CONVENTION 2016 Kacem is Deputy Secretary-General of the General Union
of Tunisian Workers (UGTT). In 1993, Kacem was elected
to the Fédération Générale de Santé and, in 1994, elected
Secretary-General of the Federation until 2011, when he was
elected to the UGTT Federation.
In 1991 he volunteered to take part in the medical mission
to Iraq to assist those injured as a result of the Gulf War. He
is committed to the Palestinian cause, which he views as an
international just cause.
Kacem believes that the labour movement cannot exist
outside of the struggle against exploitation. He is a defender
of social justice and individual freedoms.
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Award Recipients
Neil Reimer
Award Recipient
Neil Reimer Award
This award is given to a Canadian citizen or institution, to
recognize an outstanding contribution to the public good. The
notion of public good covers the activities and activism of any
number of individuals or groups that Unifor is in solidarity
with, everything from environmental advocacy and human
rights work to organizing poor women and pushing for safety
and health on the job. Many academics, researchers, writers
or organizations are also helpful to the labour movement
through teaching, promoting or defending ideas and programs
essential to Unifor. Academic work and contributions could be
acknowledged by the Neil Reimer Award. Overall recipients
are acknowledged for work that includes activism and has a
long-term commitment to the struggle for social justice.
CONVENTION 2016 Cindy Blackstock
Executive Director, First Nations Child and Family Caring
Society of Canada, and Associate Professor at the
University of Alberta.
A member of the Gitksan First Nation, Cindy has 25
years of social work experience in child protection and
Indigenous children’s rights. Cindy’s work and advocacy
has made her an influential voice that continues to raise
light about the systemic inequalities in public services
experienced by First Nations children, youth and families.
Award Recipients
Cindy Blackstock
She is an author of 50 publications and is one of the
authors of a pioneering report on transforming child and
family services, Reconciliation in Child Welfare, 2006.
Cindy has collaborated with other Indigenous leaders to
assist the United Nations Committee on the Rights of
the Child in the development and adoption of a General
Comment on the Rights of Indigenous children. She also
recently worked with Indigenous youth, UNICEF and the
United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
to produce an accessible version of the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
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Award Recipients
Senator Murray
Sinclair
Murray Sinclair
Nelson Mandela
Award Recipient
Senator Sinclair was the first Aboriginal judge
appointed in Manitoba and second in Canada’s justice
system, he served in Manitoba’s courts for over 25
years. He was appointed to the Senate on April 2, 2016
and currently is a member of the following Senate
committees: Aboriginal Peoples; Fisheries and Oceans;
Legal and Constitutional Affairs.
Nelson Mandela Award
The Nelson Mandela Award is named in honour of Nelson
Mandela, former president of South Africa from 1994-1999
and anti-apartheid revolutionary.
This award recognizes the struggle, courage and
achievement of Mandela in fighting against apartheid and
in advancing human rights and social justice. Recipients are
commended for having made a significant contribution in
the area of advancing human rights and social justice.
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CONVENTION 2016 Canadian senator, former judge
Prior to this appointment he served as Co-Chair of
the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry in Manitoba and as
Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission (TRC). As head of the TRC, he
participated in hundreds of hearings across Canada,
culminating in the issuance of the TRC’s report in
2015. He also oversaw an active multi-million dollar
fundraising program to support various TRC events and
activities, and to allow survivors to travel to attend TRC
events.
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John Millholland
Bud Jimmerfield
Award Recipient
Unifor Local 848
Bud Jimmerfield Award
This award is given to an outstanding member to recognize
health, safety, environment or workers’ compensation advocates.
The activist selected must have shown leadership, commitment
in helping fellow workers and participated in activities beyond
their workplace with the aim of preventing future occupational
diseases, deaths and injuries.
Bud Jimmerfiled was our union brother, a tireless activist who
worked as a machinist for 31 years, at an auto parts plant in
Amherstburg, Ontario. He contracted esophageal cancer in 1996
and died 18 months later. Before he died, Bud charged union
activists with an important responsibility: “Don’t mourn my
death, fight for the living and do your best to try to prevent future
occupational diseases, death and injuries from occurring.”
CONVENTION 2016 John has spent decades as a health and safety
activist. He is a trainer with the Workers’ Health
& Safety Centre, Health & Safety Liaison with the
Sarnia District Labour Council, Chair for the Local’s
Advisory Committee, Co-chair of the Joint Health &
Safety Committee and Board member for OHCOW,
along with being the Hourly HSSE Coach. John also
delivers yearly education to raise the awareness of
workers, employers and industry leaders. For many
years he has helped to organize and MC the Sarnia
Lambton Day of Mourning.
Award Recipients
John Millholland
John’s dedication and passion for health and safety
is evident in everything he does, and our union is
stronger for it.
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Musicians
Playing at Convention Hall
Musicians
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Tony Turner
Elizabeth Riley Band
Tony Turner’s life-affirming, articulate
songs are as diverse as this country.
From Circle of Song, his much‑loved
anthem of unity recently published in
Rise Again, to his award‑winning singalong Harperman, Turner has proven
he can channel the mood of the times
and the ties that bind.
Ottawa-based Elizabeth Riley Band has
a raw, contagious sound, with original
songs and interpretations inspired by
bluegrass harmonies, folk classics,
and alt and traditional country music.
Vocally driven with an electrified
edge, Jen Gilbert, Patricia Reynolds,
Sarah Ryan and Carmel Whittle
write and play songs infused with
women’s lived experience. Wielding
banjo, acoustic and electric guitars,
CONVENTION 2016 harmonica, djembe, and stand-up
snare, these four singer-songwriters
speak out about personal, social and
political realities. Elizabeth Riley Band
has played in a variety of progressive
events and venues, including the
Ottawa People’s Social Forum, Gil’s
Hootenanny, and the inaugural Ottawa
Phil Ochs Fest. Check out their first
album, Felt Through the Bone on iTunes
and Bandcamp.
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Musicians
Playing at the Canadian Museum of History
Unifor shuttle buses available at hotels
starting at 6:00 p.m
Erin Saoirse Adair
Erin Saoirse (seer’-shuh) Adair is a
feminist folksinger and songwriter
based in Ottawa and has already
become a prominent and popular voice
in the national folk scene, receiving
widespread praise for her accessible
and deeply relevant songs. Erin’s goal
is to tell meaningful musical stories. In
the time-honoured tradition of topical
songwriting, her work deals with social
CONVENTION 2016 justice, workers’ rights, addiction,
mental health, sexual assault and more.
She sings frankly, and at times with
humour, about her own experiences.
Erin released a full-length CD of Phil
Ochs songs in December of 2015. Erin
also released an EP entitled Gaslight on
the topic of sexual assault and mental
abuse, in May of 2016.
short time they’ve been performing
and recording together, the members
of MonkeyJunk have won a collective
20 Maple Blues Awards, two Canadian
Independent Music Awards, a Blues
Music Award (USA), and have been
nominated twice for a JUNO Award,
taking home the coveted hardware
in 2012. MonkeyJunk is the musical
brainchild of Steve Marriner, Tony D and
Matt Sobb.
Musicians
Canadian Museum of History reception
Wednesday August 24.
MonkeyJunk
Ottawa-based MonkeyJunk bring an
accessible and refreshing blend of
swamp-rock roots and blues to the
Canadian music scene. In the relatively
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Rules and Guidelines
Unifor Rules of Order
Unifor Rules of Order
Convention shall be conducted according to Article 6 of the
Unifor Constitution and by the following Rules of Order. On
any other matter of procedure, the Chairperson shall decide
subject to the approval of the delegates.
1. The President or designate shall preside as Chairperson
at convention and shall interpret the constitution and
Rules of Order on procedural matters.
2. All motions, including recommendations from the
National Executive Board, shall be moved and seconded
by a delegate.
3. Delegates may speak to a motion for 5 minutes unless
otherwise determined by the meeting. A delegate will
speak only once to each motion unless permission is
granted by the meeting to speak again.
4. The regular order of business may be altered or new
business added to the agenda by a majority vote of the
delegates.
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CONVENTION 2016 5. A motion to amend a motion is in order, but no
amendment to an amendment shall be in order. An
amendment to a motion which directly negates the
intention of the main motion is not in order.
6. A motion moved by a committee shall be for
concurrence or non concurrence. In the event that
the recommendation of the committee is rejected,
the motion shall be referred to the committee for
reconsideration. On the second presentation of such a
motion amendments to the resolution are in order.
7. A debate may be interrupted by a call for a “point of
order.” The Chairperson shall ask the delegate what
point of order they have. A point of order must be a
procedural matter of immediate importance to the
debate. The Chairperson shall rule on a point of order.
8. The Chairperson shall rule of out of order any personal
attacks or any language or argument which is offensive
or in bad taste.
9. All voting on general resolutions shall be by a show of
hands, unless 20% of the delegates request a per capita
vote.
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Unifor Rules of Order
10. A motion to put the question on a resolution shall
not be in order unless at least one speaker in the
affirmative and one speaker in the negative have had the
opportunity to speak.
11. A motion to reconsider shall be in order if approved by a
majority of the delegates. If reconsideration is approved,
the original motion shall be placed before the meeting
for debate and a new vote.
12. A ruling by the Chairperson on any procedural matter
may be challenged by a delegate. The challenger
may briefly state the reason for the challenge and the
Chairperson shall explain the ruling. The following
question will then be put to the meeting: Do you uphold
the ruling of the Chair? The Chair will be upheld if 50%
or more of the delegates in attendance vote yes.
13. The Chairperson has the right to vote on any motion and
to comment on any matter in debate. The Chairperson
shall not engage in personal debate with a delegate.
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Hotel Do’s and Don’ts
Hotel Do’s and Don’ts
DO
DON’T
• Allow staff access to clean your room daily;
• Leave a big mess in your room, but if you do, tip accordingly;
• Learn names/engage with staff assisting you. Talk to them about
your union job;
• Don’t book with secondary booking sites, as it reduces jobs and
revenues at the hotels – book directly with the hotel;
• Respect non-conference hotel guests. They are community feedback
of our unions;
• Dispose improperly of any sharps or hazardous materials into
room garbage (broken glass, needles, etc). Call housekeeping for
assistance to prevent injuries;
• Tip housekeeping guideline is $2/bed/day. Tipping daily ensures that
the person who cleaned your room gets tipped. Check-out tipping
doesn’t necessarily go to the person who cleaned your room all week;
• Expect piping hot food through Room Service – food travels a long
way before it reaches your room;
• Keep floors clear from bags and debris so housekeepers can vacuum
and change bedding;
• Dine in outlets just before close. Be aware of hours of operation;
• Utilize on-site food and beverage outlets and services as they supply
employment to staff and generate income for employees;
• Raise your voice at staff or use inappropriate language; and
• Sort garbage and recycling into appropriately provided bins;
• Throw room parties or be loud in your room for other guests to hear;
• Participate in the green program as it reduces hours for the workers.
• Food and beverage tipping is standardized at 15-20%;
• Request fresh towels every day;
In Solidarity,
• Tip the Bellman/Concierge if they perform a task for you (carry or
store luggage, call cab, make reservations, etc.);
Hospitality and Gaming Council Executive
• Fill out comment cards and surveys for staff and give recognition to
your union sisters and brothers who are working; and
• Be an ambassador at all times! Remember that you are the face of
the union.
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Shaw Centre Map: 2nd Floor
Shaw Centre Map
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Join the conversation at Convention by using
#Unifor2016 on social media