Unifor and OPSEU join forces to defend Ontario workers

TORONTO, Dec. 2, 2018 /CNW/ - Private and public sector workers, represented by Unifor and the Ontario Public Sector Employees Union (OPSEU) form alliance in response to attacks from Ford.

"Between cowering to corporate interests, a dangerous public sector hiring freeze, and punishing the provinces' most vulnerable workers- Doug Ford has clearly shown his playbook. It's one attack after another against working people and our families," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "But as union members we fight back. I am proud to announce that Unifor will be coordinating that fight back with Smokey Thomas and OPSEU."

Warren (Smokey) Thomas and Dias announced the alliance against Ford during Unifor's Ontario Regional Council meeting in Toronto over the weekend.

"Unifor's fight is OPSEU's fight and the fight of every Ontarian," said Thomas. In response to Ford's flippant comments about GM having, 'left the dock', Thomas continued, saying that, "the Premier needs to put his tongue in neutral and his mind in gear and start listening to front line workers, whether they're in the public service or on an auto assembly line."

Unifor members are currently engaged in province-wide mobilizations against Ford's attacks on workers, and in defence of strong public services.

"Ontario's health and other public services support every person who calls this province home. This collaboration will make both our unions stronger," said Rizvi. "Unifor members will not stand by as the Conservatives attempt to realize their blatant anti-worker and anti-public service agenda."

The two unions will coordinate campaigns and advocacy in order to realize shared goals in both the public and private sector.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy, including 162,700 workers in Ontario. 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