Kitchener, ON – Union members from across southwest Ontario rallied in Kitchener, Ontario today to welcome over 6,000 Toyota workers into the labour movement. The rally was organized by the Canadian Union of Public Employees in support of workers from Toyota’s Woodstock and Cambridge plants as they continue to sign up to join sister-union Unifor.
“Toyota workers know they deserve fair wages, and a safe and healthy workplace. They know what their jobs mean for their communities, and they want to protect them,” said Paul Moist, national president of CUPE, in his address to the rally. “CUPE is proud to show its support and solidarity with these workers, and our members across the country will celebrate with you when you join Unifor and take your place in the Canadian labour movement.”
Jerry Dias, national president of Unifor, thanked CUPE for its support, and said it was a great example of the support Toyota workers can expect from their new fellow union members.
“We’ve heard loud and clear that Toyota workers need a voice on the shop floor. As part of Unifor, they will have that voice,” said Dias. “But workers are not just joining a union; they would be becoming part of a movement that works for fairness at Toyota, in other workplaces across the country, and for all workers in Canada.”
Dias and Moist highlighted the benefits of belonging to a union, not just to members, but to their communities and local economies.
“There is an undeniable connection between the drop in private sector union density and three decades of stagnant wages in Canada. Good wages and good jobs are the engines of local economies, and we need to protect them,” said Moist. “Collective bargaining is the best tool to achieve this, and to ensure fairness for workers.”
For information:
Greg Taylor John Aman
CUPE Media Relations Unifor New Member Organizing Director
(613) 818-0067 (416) 275-6381