SAINT JOHN, May 4, 2018 /CNW/ - Unifor has donated $35,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to provide urgent aid to families and communities impacted by the devastating floods in New Brunswick.
"On behalf of our more than 7,000 members in the province, we stand with you in solidarity," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "As a social union, Unifor believes our work extends far beyond the collective bargaining table and into our communities. Our thoughts are with you during these challenging times."
Heavy rain and fast melting snow led to record setting water levels, forcing residents to flee their homes as the rising water continues to inflict widespread damage.
"It is often through tough circumstances like these that we witness many acts of kindness, support and solidarity from our neighbours," said Lana Payne, Atlantic Regional Director. "It is these very acts that strengthen our sense of community and friendship. It is these same characteristics that define the solidarity we work to build within our union."
The emergency donation comes from Unifor's Social Justice Fund, the Canadian Community Fund
and Atlantic Regional Council.
"Many of our friends and Unifor families have been touched by the flood. As a New Brunswicker, I am very proud to see my union step up in solidarity to assist the people of the province," said Ian Hutchison, Atlantic Unifor Chair and President of Local 501N in Saint John.
Unifor members are encouraged to help as flooding continues and the worst may not be over. The Canadian Red Cross has set up a portal for individual Unifor members to donate directly at www.redcross.ca/NBfloods/Unifor.
Unifor 7,200 New Brunswick members work throughout the province in forestry, fishing, telecommunications, education, airlines, manufacturing and the hospitality sectors.
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
SOURCE Unifor
please contact Unifor Communications Representative Kathleen O'Keefe at [email protected] or 416-896-3303 (cell)
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