Dryden, Ontario – In recognition of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, Unifor has donated $2,000 to Hoshizaki House in Dryden, one of 74 shelters across the country to receive a total contribution of $148,000 from the union.
“Local shelters provide lifesaving assistance as frontline providers of crisis services to women and children who are living with domestic violence,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. “Our contribution is helpful to their services but it can’t replace the type of systemic action that governments and employers can make to eradicate inequality, sexual harassment and violence.”
Unifor has actively campaigned for paid domestic violence leave to remove barriers for women escaping abuse.
“Our members’ activism has resulted in several great breakthroughs but we still have a long way to go on gender equality,” said Unifor Women’s Director Lisa Kelly. “Our intersectional approach means we are shining a light on the impact of gender-based violence and inequality in all our communities. We must particularly highlight the impact on our Trans community, women with disabilities and indigenous women. Until we have gender equality for all, we must continue the call for action.”
On this 30th Anniversary of the Montreal massacre, Unifor members will remember the lives lost at Montreal’s l’École Polytechnique and the lives off all women injured or killed due to gender-based violence. In ceremonies and events across the country, members will recommit to ending gender-based violence.
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.
