CAW, CEP take show on the road

Union leaders spreading word about ‘New Union Project’ in advance of merger

Two of Canada’s largest unions are hitting the road to spread the word in advance of their upcoming merger.

Leaders from the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers (CEP) are bringing the New Union Project to nine communities in the next two weeks.

The CAW and CEP are forming one national union at a special founding convention over Labour Day weekend.

The two unions are joining together to form a new union, with a new structure and identity that will represent more than 300,000 workers across the country in over 20 different economic sectors.

The meeting tour is part of an ongoing conversation with local union leaders and members about the new union, with the goal of soliciting input into the process. All local union presidents and unit chairs are expected to attend and the meetings are open to all CEP and CAW members. The tour also already visited Thunder Bay, Winnipeg, Vancouver and Ottawa.

Elements to be reviewed at the meetings are the draft constitution; the process for developing the name, logo and identity; and the proposal for local community chapters and a new organizing model.

Tour dates

Monday, May 6:

Noon: Windsor, Ont.
CAW Local 200/444
1855 Turner Rd.

7 p.m.: Sarnia, Ont.
CEP Local 914
900 Devine Street

Tuesday, May 7

8 a.m.: London, Ont.
Marconi Club
120 Clark Road

1 p.m.: Toronto west/ Brampton
CAW Local 1285 hall
23 Regan Road
Brampton, Ont.

Wednesday, May 8

9 a.m.: Toronto East/ Oshawa
CAW Local 222 hall
1425 Phillip Murray Ave.
Oshawa, Ont.

Friday, May 10

10 a.m.: Fredericton
Fredericton Inn
1315 Regent Street
Salon B & C

Saturday, May 11

9 a.m.:
Halifax
W.T.C.C.
1800 Argyle Street
Room 200C

Wednesday, May 15

10:30 a.m.
: Edmonton
Matrix Hotel
10640 100 Ave N.W.
Quartz 'B' Ballroom

Thursday, May 16

10:30 a.m.
: Saskatoon
Radisson Hotel
405 20th St. East
Davinci Ballroom

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