SEPTEMBER 2017
H
business elite canada 37
By Anna Guy
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The Labourers' International Union of
North America (LiUNA) claims it is the
most progressive, aggressive and fast-
est growing union of construction work-
ers, representing workers in the indus-
trial, health care, and services sectors
of the economy—and they are putting
their money where their mouth is.
I
f you aren’t one of the over one hundred
thousand Canadian members and retir-
ees who have benefitted from LiUNA’s
collective bargaining agreements, here’s
some background on the organization.
LiUNA was established in 1903 and has
grown to every major city across North
America. LiUNA members build the bridg-
es, highways, dams, hospitals, schools of
this country. LiUNA members have not
only built this country, but as a major force
in the middle class, they have helped sus-
tain it.
Founded on a welcoming and protective
union for marginalized communities, spe-
cifically providing training and job protec-
tion for the many immigrant workers who
came to Canada in the 20th century, Li-
UNA fights for collective bargaining rights,
to build a modern infrastructure that keeps
Canada competitive and creates jobs, to
strive for a sound pension system and
healthcare benefits, to stand up for laws
that acknowledge the contributions of im-
