CAW/ CEP Conventions Kick Off Today, New Union 'Unifor' Forms Saturday

TORONTO, Aug. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - The CAW will be meeting for the last time as a union today for its one-day convention, in the lead up to the Unifor Founding Convention, Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1.

The CAW Convention will take place at the Sheraton Centre, 123 Queen Street West, starting at 9:30 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom, lower level. CAW National President Ken Lewenza will deliver his final address at approximately 9:45 a.m. Media are welcome to attend.

Similarly, the CEP will meet starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre - South Building, Halls F&G (800 Level).

The CAW Convention will adjourn at 12 p.m. to join with CEP convention delegates for a downtown rally in support of Canadian telecommunications jobs. After snaking through the streets, the rally will take place outside the Industry Canada office, located at 151 Yonge Street (at Richmond Street).

Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1, Unifor will be holding its founding convention at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre - South Building, Halls F&G (800 Level).  Election of the Unifor officers, including the first national president will take place on Saturday at approximately 2 p.m.

In addition to the two-day founding convention, Unifor will also be hosting a free public concert, #Unifest, at Nathan Phillips Square to celebrate the founding of the new Canadian union, Sunday, September 1, starting at 6:30 p.m. The concert will feature a collection of Canadian talent - The Stars, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Les Colocs, Sister Says, DJ Hedspin and host Tash Jefferies.

Unifor will be the largest union in the private sector, with more than 300,000 members, across every province and territory of the country.

SOURCE: Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW)