A.I., U.S. trade war and bargaining spotlighted at GTA Local Presidents’ Meeting
Unifor local presidents from across the Greater Toronto Area gathered on Feb. 24 at the union’s National office, where they heard updates from national departments and exchanged ideas about the issues shaping their members’ workplaces.
“I just want to say thank you very much to all of our leadership, who are showing up every single day for our members, doing the hard work,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“Even in dark times, it’s the union that fights to let the light in. We stand up. We push back. We never stop.”
Payne spoke about the U.S. tariff threats and the negative impact on members and Canadians, asking for continued solidarity and resistance during this era of uncertainty. Applauding the recent historic telco contract win at Bell Clerical, Payne also offered nuggets of wisdom when it comes to bargaining strategies.
“Our strength at the bargaining table comes from the members. Unity is what turns proposals into progress,” she said.
“Preparation, discipline, and solidarity — that’s how you push back against concessions and win better contracts.”
Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi framed her remarks around the broader economic and industrial pressures affecting sectors including manufacturing, auto and forestry, while expressing confidence in frontline local union leadership.
“In every period of instability, it is local union leaders who anchor our members. Your leadership is what turns uncertainty into collective strength,” she said.
“Even in challenging economic conditions, our union is strongest when we fight together.”
Unifor Toronto Area Director Nena Bogdanovich said the meeting provided space for local leaders to connect and share perspectives.
“Everyone always finds something to add to the conversation,” she said.
“There are a lot of times I get emails or feedback talking about opportunities for locals to come together. These are the kinds of forums where you can do some of that networking and have those conversations.”
Local presidents representing 31 locals also received updates from Unifor departments.
Equity and Racial Justice Director Tricia Wilson highlighted the upcoming Black History Month event, while the Health and Safety and Pensions departments outlined available resources.
Unifor Women’s Director Tracey Ramsey spoke about the continued growth of the Women’s Advocate Program and ongoing political priorities, including affordable childcare and research into sexual harassment.
Strike and Defence Director Erin Harrison, who also oversees Retired Workers, joined via Zoom from Windsor’s Titan Tool and Die picket line, where Unifor members have been locked out since Aug. 11, 2025. She said while Titan is the only current labour dispute in Unifor, the union is ready to act should additional members need picket line support this year.
Unifor’s Member Mobilization and Political Action department shared updates on lobbying efforts focused on protecting Canadian jobs and advancing Unifor’s worker-first economic vision.
The meeting wrapped up with Unifor Researcher Graham Cox delivering a presentation on the economics of automation and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on workers.
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