Media Advisory - Unifor hosts free family BBQ in Gander to support locked-out workers

GANDER, NL, Aug. 22, 2017 /CNW/ - Unifor is hosting a free family BBQ and rally on Thursday to raise awareness and support for the 31 locked-out workers from D-J Composites. Everyone is welcome.

"There's nothing like the support of the community to boost morale during a labour dispute," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "These folks have been locked-out for more than eight months now and we're all gathering to let them know they're not fighting alone."

Dias and other Unifor representatives will be present.

Where:	Town of Gander Gazebo, Elizabeth Drive
When:	August 24, 2017 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Speakers and Guests (available for media):
	Jerry Dias, Unifor National President
	Bob Orr, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer
	Lana Payne, Unifor Atlantic Regional Director
	Shane Wark, Unifor Assistant to the National President
	Ignatius Oram, Unifor Local 597 Unit Chair (D-J Composites)
	Earle McCurdy, Leader of the Newfoundland and Labrador New Democratic Party

Members of Unifor Local 597 were locked out by their American-based employer on December 19, 2016 and D-J Composites were found guilty of bad faith bargaining by the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Board in May 2017. The employer has yet to return with a reasonable contract offer and continues to demand concessions that no union would accept.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged.

SOURCE Unifor

Unifor Communications Representative Shelley Amyotte at [email protected] or 902-717-7491