Labour Support
Organized Labour and United Way have a long tradition of working together to improve the lives of individuals and the quality of living in Cambridge and North Dumfries and other communities. Across the country, the Union movement has forged a strong partnership with United Way and encourages its members to participate and assist with the annual fundraising campaign.
The Union movement is involved with the local campaign in many ways including volunteering, personal donations, making employee presentations, and running special events. For example, each year, the Waterloo Regional Labour Council organizes the annual Labour Day Picnic in the Park. This event gives families the opportunity to come out and enjoy a day of fun and activities together, with all proceeds from food and drink sales going to United Way.
Labour Program
What it is
United Way has had a long and rewarding partnership with labour and one of the highlights of that relationship is the Union Counseling Program.
Formed in July 2005, the Labour Program of Waterloo Region is a joint initiative of the Waterloo Region Labour Council, United Way of Cambridge and North Dumfries, and the United Way of KW and Area.
Frank Curnew, Labour Staff Representative, supports the community in many ways. Two highlights are his participation on the United Way of Cambridge & North Dumfries campaign team and co-delivering the Union Counseling Program. This program leads to a healthier, more productive workforce.
For more information on the Labour Program of Waterloo Region, please contact Frank Curnew at 519-744-8363.
What the Labour Program Does
The Canadian Labour Congress and the United Way movement share a common vision for strong, healthy and prosperous communities offering a wide range of accessible, universal and high-quality social and public services. Labour acknowledges the important role of volunteers in creating these communities and United Ways recognize the need for fully funded and staffed public services.
United Way’s Involvement
The partnership between organized labour and United Way has evolved and grown for more than fifty years. Unions, the folks who brought you the weekend, have always supported our communities and our representatives liaise and work closely with the United Way movement so our combined voices, networks and resources can make our vision real.
Union Counselling Program
A key element in our work together is the Union Counselling Program. It trains union members about community resources and social issues so they can link union members and their families in need with the available social services, many of which are funded by United Way. These members are also able to alert unions to social problems that particularly affect their workplace so the union can consult or bargain with employers to improve conditions.
We are partners, joining all those involved in the United Way movement and the over 3 million Canadian Labour Congress members in helping people in need and building healthier communities.
