TORONTO — Canada's largest private-sector union is stepping up to support people in Ukraine who are suffering because of the Russian invasion.
Unifor, whose membership includes thousands of workers in Northwestern Ontario, is donating $150,000 to the Red Cross to assist its humanitarian aid efforts in Ukraine.
The contribution includes $100,000 from the union's Social Justice Fund, $25,000 from the national union, and $5,000 each from five regional union councils.
"The SJF exists to help people lift up their lives and to fight those who would hold them down," said Unifor International Director Mohamad Alsadi. "Helping the people of Ukraine at this time fits perfectly with that."
Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer Lana Payne said the people of Ukraine have shown incredible strength and determination in the face of the invasion.
"The grace and resolve of the Ukrainian people have been an inspiration to the world, and we must respond to that," Payne said.
In a statement released Wednesday, Unifor said it will continue to assess the situation in Ukraine, and may consider additional support for organizations working on the ground to deliver humanitarian aid in the coming weeks.
It is also encouraging Unifor locals and members to show their own support for the Ukrainian people by donating directly to the Red Cross.
