Unifor is the name of the new Canadian union being formed by the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union and the Canadian Auto Workers union.
The name and logo were unveiled Thursday at a news conference in Toronto with 200 local leaders, members, community supporters and allies. The union will represent over 300,000 members.
"All together, Unifor will be: 800 local unions, 3,000 bargaining units, in more than 20 different sectors, and we're here to show that we will be a strong voice and a positive force for change for working people across this nation," says CAW national president Ken Lewenza.
Unifor Canada was chosen as a name that is expressive, dynamic, and symbolizes the two unions' aspirations as a new organization: to be united, strong, modern, forward-looking.
"Unifor will be a union for young workers, those struggling to piece together part-time work and contract jobs, and other precarious working conditions. It will be a union for everyone," says CEP national president Dave Coles.
The name was picked after a process that spanned several months and involved members, union leadership, communications advisers and community allies.
The two unions worked with national communications firm Strategic Communications and Pivot Design Group, in developing the name, logo and new union identity.
