Unifor pledges to continue building labour movement following Progressive Conservative win

TORONTO, June 7, 2018 /CNW/ - Ford win demonstrates need for continued activism in Ontario to defend public services, workers' rights and equity in Ontario.

"If Doug Ford thinks that the result of this election is a carte-blanche to wage attacks on workers and unleash cuts to public services from the PC handbook, then he's about to be very surprised," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "Working people in Ontario are strong, organized, and will continue to defend the gains we have made and push to make life better for all working people. Our mobilization starts today."

Unifor ran a dedicated member-driven outreach and communication campaign during the election. Members of the union knocked on thousands of Unifor members' doors in key ridings across the province, spreading the message to make every vote count.

"This election shows the importance of ongoing community and political involvement, not just during elections," said Naureen Rizvi, Unifor Ontario Regional Director. "I am urging all Unifor members to remain vigilant and active in union campaigns and in their communities to unite and continue in the fight for workers' rights in Ontario."

Unifor members Wayne Gates and Niki Lunquist ran for office on the Ontario NDP ticket. Wayne Gates, former president of Unifor Local 199, was re-elected in Niagara Falls while Niki Lundquist, Unifor human rights lawyer, came a close second in the traditionally PC-held riding of Whitby.

"Unifor members see the importance of stepping up to participate in their communities and electoral politics. What happens in Queens Park affects all of us, and I congratulate these members, and all who participated in this election for their dedication to bring Unifor's values to our political conversation, and their hard-fought campaigns," continued Rizvi.

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