March 8, 2024 at 12:00 PM
As we celebrate International Women's Day, I am proud of the significant accomplishments that Unifor has made in our many workplaces and around the world.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is, "Invest in women: Accelerate progress." This is a bold theme that must resonate in all facets of our workplaces. But it must also pierce those corporate and governments cultures that have been slow to address gender inequalities that maintain outdated biases and structures.
More recently, Unifor has joined the calls to the Federal Government to end Employment Insurance (EI) gender discrimination for those accessing maternity and parental benefits. This is a simple fix that would end the discrimination against parents - overwhelmingly women - who are being penalized if they suffer job loss within a year of taking their parental leave by having their EI maternity or parental benefits not contribute towards their qualifying weeks.
Our Local is a diverse Union, and the women of Local 2002 have consistently demonstrated their unwavering commitment to advancing workers' rights, advocating for equitable treatment, and fostering a culture of inclusion and solidarity. For those who may not know me, I have always been outspoken in demanding a fairer and more inclusive union and society, as well as standing up for all worker’s rights. This is something that we must all do together.
Women are still under-represented in Skilled Trades, comprising only 5% of those working in the trades. Unifor is looking to change that statistic. In January 2024, Unifor donated a $300,000 grant to several Ontario colleges, including Sheridan, Durham, Fanshawe, and St. Clair Colleges towards a new initiative to support women in the Skilled Trades. This is part of our Union’s commitment to advancing women’s access to education, and ultimately leading to better paying and stable jobs.
Throughout history, women have played a pivotal role in shaping the labour movement, breaking barriers, and driving meaningful change. Their tireless efforts have paved the way for progress, challenging systemic inequalities and championing justice for all workers.
Living in a world where equal opportunities for equity-seeking workers is a good thing for everyone. Today, we stand on the shoulders of these trailblazers, carrying forward their legacy as we continue to fight for fairness and equality in the workplace. Let’s invest in women and accelerate progress.
In solidarity,
Tammy Moore
President
Unifor Local 2002
24-03-08 Message from Tammy Moore IWD EN.txt