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Labour United Way Partnership

History

The Labour/United Way Partnership has deep national and local roots. It is founded on similar values and principles; a shared belief that in order for a community to be great, it must be great for everyone. Both movements understand that much more can be accomplished by working collectively.

Nationally

In 1988, United Way Centraide Canada (UWCC) signed a formal partnership agreement with Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), the largest umbrella organization of unions and other labour bodies in Canada representing over 3.3 million members. The partnership agreement, which includes a Statement of Principles, was updated and resigned in March, 2012. This Statement is aimed at providing a context for the two organizations to work towards their common goals while respecting each other’s different approaches and structures. United Way is the only organization that CLC endorses for payroll deduction.

Locally

In 1959, the Saskatoon and District Labour Council (SDLC) and the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce came together and formed what we now know as United Way of Saskatoon and Area. As a partner, advocate and community builder, the Labour Movement has played a significant role in the development and success of United Way since its inception. In 1995, SDLC and United Way of Saskatoon and Area formalized their 36 year partnership and signed their Statement of Principles. This Partnership renewed in 2010 with both parties recommitting to working together to strengthen our community.

Labour is represented at all levels of United Way of Saskatoon and Area, including a staff position – Associate Director, Labour Partnerships & Engagement – and two designated labour seats on the Board of Directors.

Labour Community Advocate Training

A cornerstone of the partnership is the Labour Community Advocate Training Program. Labour Community Advocates (LCAs) have three roles:

  1. To link workers facing workplace, personal or family challenges with resources in the community;
  2. To identify community issues where the union can play a role through collective bargaining or social actions; and
  3. To support community activism among union members, unions and labour organizations.

LCAs play a vital role in connecting the union, the workplace and the community. The course is a union-based course designed by the Canadian Labour Congress and endorsed by the SDLC.

Labour Community Advocates Brochure

“Like our organizations, the United Way recognizes the best way to help people is to focus on the root cause of the serious issues facing our communities. It takes the whole community working together to pull it off, and through our partnership, working people have an important role to play.”

– Lori Johb, Saskatchewan Federation of Labour President

 

For more information regarding the Labour/United Way Partnership, contact:

Andrea Howe, Director, Provincial Labour Partnerships
United Way of Saskatoon & Area
ahowe@unitedwaysaskatoon.ca
306-975-7700