Media Advisory - Unifor Rights at Work campaign comes to Prince George

VANCOUVER, Feb. 14, 2014 /CNW/ - Canada's largest union in the private sector will be meeting in Prince George on Monday as part its preparations for a nationwide campaign to defend the rights of Canadians in the workplace. Media are welcome at the meeting to get a sneak peak at Unifor's Rights at Work campaign and to talk to the union's top leadership and research staff about these issues.

"Unifor is standing up for the rights of Canadians to provide for their families in safe and stable workplaces," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias, who will be speaking at the meeting.

What: Unifor Rights at Work Campaign, Prince George Tour Stop

When: Monday, February 17 at 7:00pm (Light dinner served at 6:00pm)

Where: Coast Inn of the North - Tabor Room, 770 Brunswick Street, Prince George

Who: Jerry Dias - Unifor National President; Scott Doherty - Unifor Western Director; Twyla Hurley, Canfor Regional Managder; and other guests.

Local and national Unifor leaders attending the meeting will be discussing threats posed to basic labour rights, and what they can do about it.

"The current attack by governments across Canada on our basic labour rights will fundamentally damage our quality of life—and that's why we are determined to stop it," said Dias. "Without unions and collective bargaining, it will be impossible for most Canadians to attain a decent, secure life."

Hundreds of workers in BC are impacted by the Harper government's anti-union legislation. In federally-regulated sectors such as oil and gas and airlines, Harper has already made it harder for workers to refuse dangerous work and stripped many workers of the right to strike. The government is currently debating Bill C-525, which would make it easier to de-certify unions in federally-regulated sectors.

In Alberta, Conservatives have made it illegal for some workers to simply talk about striking. Efforts by Ontario conservatives to eliminate the Rand Formula will put pressure on other jurisdictions to do the same.

Unifor was founded Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged. With more than 300,000 members, Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector.

SOURCE: Unifor

For more information, please contact Unifor Communications Representative Ian Boyko at 778-903-6549 (cell) or [email protected]