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Unifor is proud to support the Rainbow Week of Action organized by Momentum, a Canadian non-profit that organizes and amplifies advocacy for social and gender justice.
The week of action, that takes place from May 11 – May 17, 2024, will host and promote rallies, letter-writing campaigns, webinars, phone banks, and more in communities across the country.
Unifor encourages all members and locals to participate in or host an event in their community and add that event to the online event listing.
“We’re combating hate and division with love and unity—together we’re working in solidarity by speaking up and taking action for a more free, equal, and just future for all workers and their families. No one should ever feel like they can’t be their authentic selves at work, school, or at home,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“Our union calls on governments and elected officials at every level to vigorously defend the rights and safety of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, including refugees and newcomers.”
Unifor is providing a donation to Queer Momentum’s Rainbow Week of Action as part of the union’s on-going commitment and work to foster inclusion and equity. Unifor recognizes that the fight for justice and equality cannot be won without working directly with equity deserving communities to address and dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate hate and inequality.
“As we witness a troubling rise in anti-2SLGBTQIA+ sentiment, not only in Canada but around the world, it is crucial for us to stand and take action. Complacency makes us complicit. I urge all Unifor members to participate in the Rainbow Week of Action and stand in solidarity with your queer, trans, and gender-diverse colleagues,” says Paige Maylott, Unifor Local 5555 Pride Committee President and member of the Ontario Regional Council LGBT Committee.
Rainbow Week of Action comes at a time when division, hate, and misinformation are threatening the rights and freedoms of queer and trans communities across the country.
Provinces including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick have introduced regressive policies targeting gender diverse children in schools and those seeking gender-affirming care.
Unifor is focused on building solidarity, supporting communities, and taking action to combat hate and preserve and enhance the rights of all people.
In Ontario, Unifor is planning a strong presence at the Rainbow Week of Action Toronto Rally taking place on May 16 at 11:30 a.m. at Barbara Hall Park on Church Street.
Unifor encourages members to participate in the week by attending a rally in their area, engaging with local representatives through email and letter writing, and sharing photos with us by tagging @UniforTheUnion on X, formerly Twitter, or @UniforCanada on Facebook and Instagram.
Locals hosting events during Rainbow Week of Action are asked to connect with Unifor National Representative and LGBTQ Equity Liaison Billy O’Neill at @email to help promote the event or to connect locals with regional committees.
