Unifor calls on locals to power equity projects in 2026

Press Release

January 12, 2026

Unifor is excited to announce new spring and fall application deadlines for the Local Union Equity Fund (LUEF).

Created to spark action and deepen impact, the LUEF supports local unions ready to advance equity, amplify equity-deserving voices, and invest in meaningful change. The fund helps broaden and strengthen equity initiatives across the union, encouraging locals to dedicate time, creativity, and resources to campaigns that build a more inclusive movement.

The union has earmarked up to $250,000 for the fund which will support projects in 2026.

Local unions interested in applying for the next round of funding must submit a completed application by April 10, 2026, for the spring intake, or Oct. 16, 2026, for the fall intake.

For more information, or questions about the fund or application process, please contact equity@unifor.org.

To learn more, visit: unifor.org/resources/local-union-equity-fund.

Unifor was proud to support several projects in 2025, including:

BIWOC EVENT | Local 240
This campaign informed members of the economic and educational gaps that racialized communities face due to systemic racism. The project built community through an in-person event to discuss issues that racialized communities face, how it caused an economic gap, and ways we can work together to bridge that gap.

ORANGE SHIRT SOCIETY SPEAKER | Local 3018
A special guest speaker, Phylis Webstads, provided education to members about Indigenous tragedies in Williams Lake, B.C., and the surrounding area, and related intergenerational trauma, connected members and built solidarity.

AWARENESS RAISING EVENT | Local 6004
The local hosted an awareness building event to address equity issues of unemployment rates, inequality, and financial instability and lack of training available to members from equity deserving communities.

RECOGNITION OF THE NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AND ACTION ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN | Local 531
This campaign raised awareness about gender-based violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals leading up to the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in December. The campaign included information sharing with members starting in November in the lead up to 16 Days of Action.

RACIAL JUSTICE ADVOCATE AWARENESS AND EDUCATION | Local 62
This initiative raised awareness, educate members, and promote dialogue through workshops and seminars about the realities and impacts of racism and racial discrimination in the workplace and union.

AMPLIFYING BIWOC VOICES IN LOCAL MEDIA | Local 87 M
Project funding supported six journalism events across Canada in 2025 to highlight the diversity of Unifor media members. The events provided members with an opportunity to network and have a safe space to discuss diversity issues with other BIWOC media workers and their allies.

EARTH DAY EVENT | Local 87-M
The local hosted a panel discussion in April to inspire members to take action for climate justice through a panel discussion centred on themes of equity, social justice, and climate change.

PRIDE COMMITTEE DAY OF PINK CELEBRATION | Local 111
In April, the Local 111 Pride committee held an event celebrating the Day of Pink to foster solidarity and action against bullying and homophobia. Sister Bear I’Tall, a Unifor Local 2200 skilled trades mechanic, provided a keynote address speaking to the importance of educating ourselves on our history and following that knowledge up with concrete action.

Media Contact

Jenny Yuen
Email
Jenny.Yuen@Unifor.org

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