New Canadian union will be a voice for working women, says CAW and CEP

More than 80,000 women to be represented in workplaces across the country

OTTAWA / TORONTO, March 7, 2013 /CNW/ - The new Canadian union being created by the Canadian Auto Workers union (CAW) and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union (CEP) will be a force for working women and represent more than 80,000 women in several key sectors of the national economy. The fight for women's equality will continue to be an important struggle in the new formation.

"We know that women are most affected by tough economic times, high unemployment and a rocky economy," said CAW Women's Director Julie White. "That's why part of our job as women in trade unions is to organize and use our collective strength to engage as many women as possible."

The unions are marking International Women's Day (IWD) by acknowledging the role of the new union as a strong mobilizing force for Canadian women and a source of support in the fight to improve their own lives and those of future generations. The new union has committed to ensure a mandatory threshold of women sitting on National and regional councils.

"Today, we recognize that there are still countless hurdles before reaching equality for all Canadian women, regardless of their age, status and economic situation," said Jen Britton, the Chair of CEP's National Women's Committee. "Trade union women have always played an important role in the fight for better conditions for women everywhere and we mark this year's International Women's Day by renewing our commitment to that fight."

International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8^th has been celebrated around the world for over 90 years as a way to mark the continued struggle for social and economic equality. CEP and CAW have released the following public statements to mark the day.

Read the statement issued by CAW:  International Women's Day - We're working it!
Read the statement issued by CEP: CEP marks International Women's Day

CEP and CAW are working towards holding the founding convention of the new union over the weekend leading up to Labour Day in Toronto.

SOURCE: Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW)