Unifor or CAWU? Know the Facts Before You Sign

Unifor or CAWU? Know the Facts Before You Sign

November 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM

  

1. Rules and Documents
  

UNIFOR

Unifor’s rules and constitution are easy to find online. They explain how the union works, how members vote, and what your rights are. See Unifor’s Constitution here.

Every three years, Unifor members meet at a National Convention to debate and vote on changes. The most recent meeting was in 2025 in Vancouver.

Unifor locals (like your workplace group) also have local bylaws that are voted on by members.

  

CAWU

CAWU’s constitution is not available anywhere online. Members have a right to see it — so why is it hidden?

When was CAWU’s last meeting? Who decided their rules? There is no public record.

Where are CAWU’s local bylaws? Who approves them? Members should know before signing anything.

  

  

2. Leadership and Elections
  

UNIFOR

Unifor members elect their leaders, bargaining committees, and workplace reps by secret vote. Everything is open and democratic. Unifor follows the Local Union Elections Policy and Unifor Election Code.

Members can ask questions, suggest changes, and vote on important decisions.

Unifor has regional and national councils where members help guide union work.

  

CAWU

Who chooses CAWU’s leaders? Are there elections? There’s no public record of any votes.

Who represents CAWU members locally or nationally? No information is available.

CAWU has no councils or meetings that members can see or join.

  

  

3. Money and Transparency
  

UNIFOR

Unifor is proud to be open about money. Each year audited financial reports are shared with members and posted online. See Unifor’s financial reports.

Local unions also show their members where money goes and vote on budgets.

Unifor has an External Review Board to make sure all finances and actions are fair and honest.

  

CAWU

CAWU does not share any financial reports. Members don’t know how their dues are spent.

There’s no sign that CAWU does this for its members.

CAWU does not list any independent body that checks its finances.

  

  

4. Strike Fund and Support for Members
  

UNIFOR

Unifor has one of the largest strike funds in Canada, worth over $150 million. This fund helps members if they ever have to go on strike. Learn more here.

In 2024, Unifor paid over $1.7 million to help members on strike. Members receive $350 per week during strikes.

Unifor offers full support strike pay, legal help, communication support, and media outreach.

  

CAWU

What strike fund does CAWU have? They have not said how they would help members in a dispute.

Has CAWU ever supported members during a strike? There is no public record of this.

CAWU’s small size raises real questions about whether they can help workers if problems arise.

  

  

5. Accountability and Integrity
  

UNIFOR

Unifor members can appeal decisions, file complaints, and request reviews. There are clear steps and independent oversight.

Transparency and fairness are part of how Unifor operates, from workplace to national level.

Unifor has decades of proven results for Canadian workers.

  

CAWU

CAWU doesn’t explain how members can question or appeal their leaders’ decisions.

CAWU is not open about its leadership, finances, or processes.

CAWU has a record of failed applications, broken promises, and poor results.

  

  


  

  

Before You Sign a CAWU Card, Ask:

  • Where is CAWU’s constitution and list of rules?

  • Who are their leaders, and were they elected?

  • What is their strike fund, and how much money is in it?

  • Why are they avoiding these questions?

  • How can they promise better results if they have no track record and no public accountability?

  

  


  

  

Unifor’s Commitment to You

Unifor is asking members to reconfirm your support during this CAWU campaign.

By signing a new Unifor membership card, you show that you stand with a strong, transparent, and democratic union that already represents Screening Officers and fights for your wages and working conditions.

Unifor has been honest about this process. We’ve also shared a revocation form for any member who signed a CAWU card but now wants to withdraw support after learning the facts.

Some CAWU organizers are spreading confusion because they are losing support.

  

  

THE TRUTH IS SIMPLE:

Unifor is transparent, democratic, and accountable.
CAWU is not.

  

  


  

  

Reconfirm Your Support for Unifor

To stay with a union that is strong, fair, and honest, sign your confidential Unifor membership card today.

  

SIGN A CARD NOW

  

  

Unifor Leadership Team

Billy O'Neil - Unifor National Organizing Department
[email protected]

Lucy Alessio - Unifor National Organizing Department
[email protected]

Joanne Goulet – Unifor National Service Representative

Tammy Moore – President, Unifor Local 2002

Harold Bateman – Assistant to the Unifor Local 2002 President

  

  

25-11-10 Unifor or CAWU - Know the Facts.txt