Leading up to December 6, Unifor members across the country delivered donations from Unifor’s Social Justice Fund to women’s shelters to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Donations of $2,000 were given to 74 shelters nation-wide for a total of $148,000.

“Unifor takes the commitment to ending gender-based violence very seriously,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “We’ve stepped up to fill a great void with these donations and direct initiatives such as assisting with shelter renovations through our skilled trades members. This supplements the broader work the union does through political advocacy, collective bargaining and grassroots collaborations and coalitions to support survivors and create workplaces and communities safe from gender-based harassment and violence.”

Members from coast to coast presented cheques to shelters to fund crisis services to assist women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Locally two donations were given to the YWCA and Gillan’s Place.

“We all long for a day when refuges and domestic violence survivor programs are no longer needed,” said Lisa Kelly, Unifor Women’s Director. “Our members’ activism gets us closer to that day through their continuing work to promote greater awareness and education and win stronger workplace and legislated supports like paid domestic violence leave.”

In addition to continuing to bargain Women’s Advocates and other workplace resources, Unifor will be pushing for Canada’s ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work. This new global standard recognizes the right of everyone to a world free from violence and harassment and sets bold goals for workplaces everywhere.

You can see photos of this year’s cheque presentations on the Unifor Canada Facebook page.