Rally Wednesday to mark International Day of Older Persons

WINDSOR, ON, Sept. 30, 2014 /CNW/ - With pensions and health care under threat, diminishing the hope of retirement with dignity for many Canadians, a rally will be held in Windsor on Wednesday October 1 in the afternoon to mark the International Day of Older Persons.

"On this day, we not only celebrate the effort of our elders to build a better society for all of us, but also commit to fight for pension and decent health care so future generations can retire with dignity," said Len Hope, chair of the Unifor Retired Workers Council Executive and member of the Unifor National Executive Board.

"Older persons are among the first to fall victim to a downturn in the economy or the effects of globalization."

The United Nations International Day of Older Persons was first celebrated on October 1, 1991. The UN established the day to draw attention to the rapidly increasing seniors' population around the world, and the unique policy challenges that poses. Events are held around the globe to mark the day.

The event in Windsor is being organized by Unifor Retired Workers Area Council, the Seniors Advisory Committee-Windsor, National Pension Reform Committee, National Pensioners Federation, CARP Windsor-Essex, Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario and Life After Fifty.

By 2050, for the first time in human history, the UN estimates there is expected to be more persons aged 60 and over than children in the world.

• What: Rally to celebrate International Day of Older Persons
• Where: Windsor City Hall Square
• When: Wednesday, October 1, 2pm
• Speakers: Marion Overholt from Legal Assistance Windsor, Labour Council President Chris Taylor, past CAW National President Ken Lewenza and former Manitoba Premier Howard Pawley

To read Unifor's statement on the International Day of Older Persons, go to statement. See also: http://www.un.org/en/events/olderpersonsday/index.shtml.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 305,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union merged.

SOURCE: Unifor

please contact Unifor Communications National Representative Stuart Laidlaw at [email protected] or (cell) 647-385-4054.