December 23, 2016 at 9:55 AM
 
Local 2002 has had another successful year and we can attribute this success to you—our membership, and the dedication of the awesome leaders that you elect to represent you. It is through this collective solidarity that our workplaces become stronger each and every day. As we move into 2017 with new hopes and objectives I would like to share some of my New Year’s resolutions with you.
 
Always keep learning
As the second largest local in Unifor, we are over 10,500 members strong and growing with new groups of workers across Canada joining Unifor’s aviation sector on a regular basis. Local 2002 is dedicated to supporting our members by continuously increasing and updating our education and resources. These tools equip our elected leadership in the workplace so that they can best represent you.
 
Be a participant not a bystander
Earlier this year we celebrated our third birthday as a Unifor family. Our union has remained focused on advocating on behalf of all working people (employed or unemployed) across the country and through global outreach.
 
Unifor is a leader in initiatives dealing with violence: domestic violence, violence against women and human rights injustices.  This year union activists have met with legislators in every province and territory to advocate for a national paid domestic violence leave (a legislative right already passed by the province of Manitoba).
 
Unifor continuously fights to maintain and expand good jobs in all of our communities and to ensure women have their share of these jobs. Economic security is a key determinant of safety for workers in violent relationships. 
 
Unifor is dedicated to improving the lives of workers and their families in Canada and around the world.  Four families from Syria, sponsored by Unifor and the union’s Social Justice Fund are building new lives in Canada with the aid of local members.
 
Remember the past and focus on the future
As we move into 2017 we must keep our eyes to Bill C-27 – an Act to amend the Pension Benefits Standards Act – which is threatening current retiree’s pension benefits and also those yet to retire. We began this fight well over a year ago and it’s not over. You can read, respond and share more about Bill C-27 here…
 
Focus on gratitude
Thanks to all of you for your dedication and activism in our union. It seems that there is never a time when we can just lay back in our easy chairs and snooze. If we are to protect our hard won gains we must remain ever watchful, alert and active.
 
Our vigilance is the gift that we leave for the workers of the future.
 
A happy and peaceful season to you all,
 
Cheryl