Women’s Committee

The objectives of the Women’s Committee is to mobilize women on equality issues in the workplace and the community. In the past this committee has sponsored a luncheon on International Women’s Day (March 8th) Has held a silent auction where the proceeds were donated to “Look Good, Feel Good” Breast Cancer Research in memory of sister Darlene Quinn (former member of the Committee who passed away in Dec 06) Every December the Committee attends a commemorative service in remembrance of the female students who were killed at Montreal Polytechniqe . In March the committee participate in Tampon Tuesday. If you would like to get involved, need help or want volunteer contact the Women’s Committee or Equity Rep.

Chairperson: Rose McIntosh Email Rose
Recording Secretary: Rayna Fleming
Committee: Lisa Bowen
Carly Davidson
Alysia Guiseppi
Ashley Oord
Emily Quill
Shannon Sawatsky

Women’s Conference

Aug 5, –Aug 8, 2018

This year’s Women’s Conference, with the theme of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Rights, is a chance to come together, build skills, exchange knowledge and strategize for the future. Participants will be examining health and safety, sexual harassment, personal protective equipment, trans rights, gender-based violence and other issues that can have a particular impact on women. We are confident participants will leave feeling inspired and energized to continue the important work you do in your workplace, your local and your community.

The 2018 Unifor Women’s Conference will be held at the Unifor Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, Ontario commencing Sunday, August 5th at 7:00 pm and concluding on Wednesday, August 8th at noon. The conference will be bilingual and some workshops will be offered in French or with translation as required based on registration.

Conference registration is on Sunday, August 6th from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm and room check-in begins at 3:00 pm. New delegate orientation will be held from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Sisterhood room. Click here for further details

Education For Women

Unifor offers a variety of courses specifically for Women.

Unifor McMaster Labour Studies program offers a one evening course on the Monday closest to International Women’s Day
One-Day Women activist course can be scheduled at the Uunion Hall
Women in the Trades, Women Activists, Women in Leadership, Women in Politics, are all one week course offered at Family Education Centre in Port Elgin
Click on the link to see a List of Education Courses available.

International Women’s Day

Each year, March 8 is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women and renew our efforts in achieving gender equality in Canada and around the world. The beginnings of International Women’s Day (IWD) trace back to the early twentieth century, emerging from the activities of labour movements in North America and Europe and reflecting a growing movement for women to participate equally in society.

The first International Women’s Day was observed on March 19, 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. That day, more than one million women and men showed their support by participating in public events. In the years that followed, other countries began to observe and celebrate this day.

The United Nations recognised 1975 as International Women’s Year and began celebrating IWD on March 8, later adopting a resolution designating March 8 as International Women’s Day. Today, International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world, in many countries, it is a national holiday. It has grown to become a global day of recognition of women’s achievements and a call to action to support women’s rights and advance gender equality.

What is Empowerment?

Empowerment is having the necessary tools to make informed choices. When young girls and women of all ages have the resources and opportunities to succeed, it not only enhances, but enriches the quality of life for all of society.

Tools for Empowerment

Having access to education
Getting involved in the community
Becoming financially independent
Understanding your right to live free of violence
Knowing how the government works and exercising your democratic rights
Economic Empowerment, Making in Real

Celebrating 100 Years of Voting Rights!

We often take for granted the fact of how fortunate we are to live in a democratic country like Canada where we have the right to vote. This was not always the case for women, achieving this right was a long and tireless struggle. Having the right to vote and run for office is a fundamental aspect of women’s empowerment. 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of women winning this right in Canada. In 1916, Manitoba became the first province to grant women the right to vote in provincial elections. By 1925 all provinces except Quebec had followed suit. It wasn’t until 1940 that Quebec granted women the right to vote. Canada is recognizing the significance of this milestone by celebrating the centennial of women’s suffrage and reflecting on how this historic event has influenced women’s empowerment and gender equality.

Women’s Right to Vote
International Women’s Day

Pay Equity

Did you know that, on average, women must work 15 and a half months to earn what a man does in just 12? On Tuesday, April 10, Unifor members marked Equal Pay Day, showing the additional months women have to work to earn the same amount that an average man earned in the previous year. The gap in wages is even larger for women who are the most marginalised: Indigenous women earn 43 per cent less than men do; racialized women earn 38 per cent less; and immigrant women earn 34 per cent less.

Unifor is a member of the Equal Pay Coalition, which is demanding a strengthened Pay Transparency Act. Equal pay for equal work is the law, but employers are not required to disclose wage rates, leaving existing inequalities unreported. “When women are members of a union, pay is transparent,” said Lisa Kelly, Unifor Women’s Director. “We know that a union card goes a long way towards closing the gender pay gap. But all workers, unionized or not, should be able to count on good legislation to hold employers accountable.” Members can take action by visiting the Equal Pay Coalition’s website, and using this tool to send a quick email to decision-makers (English only).