Unifor holds its first-ever women’s conference

Workshops explore child care, precarious jobs, 2015 election

Today, Unifor wrapped up its first-ever women’s conference, setting its sights on the upcoming federal election.

Held at the union’s education centre in Port Elgin, Ont., the three-day conference explored significant issues such as child care options and precarious work. Its theme, “I’m a feminist, so now what?” aimed to prepare the 305 participants for the 2015 federal election.

“We can have better workplaces, better communities and even a better labour movement. It’s not a dream, it’s a goal,” said Julie White, director of Unifor’s women’s department.

As part of the conference, key players from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Workers Action Centre, Western University, the Canadian Federation of Nurses and others discussed topics under banners such as “Feminist Issues, Feminist Power” and “Feminist Mobilizing Toward 2015.”

“Politics happens every day, it’s not something that has to wait until the writ drops,” White added. “We can and must start to prepare now.”

Stay tuned for Canadian Labour Reporter’s upcoming print edition, which features an in-depth look at the future of women in the labour movement with an exclusive interview with White.

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