What We Do
Labour councils are involved in many areas of the community. Working actively to support people’s needs is a big part of labour councils’ work.
We are active in all aspects of the economic, social, and political life of our community. The Labour Council lobbies politicians at the municipal, provincial, and federal level on behalf of all workers.
The Labour Council is especially vigilant in supporting worker health and safety initiatives, labour laws that support the rights of workers, and initiatives aimed at helping to create high-quality, well-paid employment.
The Labour Council is actively supporting work aimed at improving universal social supports such as pensions, employment insurance, public health care, and child care. We are also active in supporting social justice and equity initiatives in our community.
How We Help
- Working with the United Way.
- Assisting with food drives, clothing drives.
- Community picnics and meal programs.
- Participating on community boards and agencies.
- Assisting and supporting shelters for women and children.
- Providing resources and support for workers in crisis, through the Union Counselling Program.
- Providing workers with space and resources to organize youth projects.
- Talking to young people in schools about unions.
- Assisting like-minded people in their elections to different levels of office.
- Working with community groups on events and campaigns.
- Lobbying area politicians for legislative changes.
- Educating our members.
- Organizing workers.
- Campaigning for social justice.
- Taking political action.
- Supporting striking workers.
- Building an alternative economic and social vision.
Our Leaders
Ramzi Abdi
Vikki Poirier
Kristen Morrison
Jen Mackenzie-Miller
Angèle Lacroix
Frank Curnew
Kimiko Shibata
Aaron Stemmler
Susan Faber
Stephen Furmaniuk
Gord Assman
Tracy Cochrane
Equity Statement
The Waterloo Regional Labour Council is committed to providing an environment that is free from harassment and discrimination while fostering the goodwill and trust necessary to protect the rights of all individuals. We are committed to promoting mutual respect, understanding and co-operation as the basis of interaction among our delegates, affiliates, and guests. This labour council will neither tolerate nor condone behaviour that undermines the dignity or self-esteem of individuals or the integrity of relationships.
Harassment and discrimination on the basis of a prohibited ground are violations of the Ontario Human Rights Code and are illegal.
Our Affiliates
The Waterloo Regional Labour Council is essentially a coalition of unions who represent workers in Waterloo Region. Union Locals pay dues to the Labour Council and can then name delegates to vote on Council matters at monthly membership meetings.
Currently, more than 30 union Locals are affiliated to the Waterloo Regional Labour Council, representing a total of about 26,000 workers. These unions represent construction workers, professional planners, office administrators, health care workers, teachers, postal workers, and many more.
A list of current affiliates for 2026 is being verified and will be updated here when it is complete.
| Union Local | Employer | |
| CUPE 1883 | Region of Waterloo | |
| CUPW 560 | Canada Post | |
| ETFO-WR | Waterloo Region District School Board | |
| ETFO-WR OT | Waterloo Region District School Board | |
| FEESO U64 D32 | Conseil scolaire de district catholique Centre-Sud | |
| IAMAW 103 | Dana Corporation | |
| IATSE 357 | theatre and stage companies | |
| IBEW 636 | hydro utilities | |
| IBEW 804 | construction companies | |
| LIUNA 1081 | construction companies | |
| OECTA WR | Waterloo Catholic District School Board | |
| OPSEU 230 | Ontario government | |
| OPSEU 237 | Conestoga College | |
| OPSEU 238 | Conestoga College | |
| OPSEU 239 | Cambridge Memorial Hospital | |
| OSSTF D24 | Waterloo Region District School Board | |
| OSSTF D35 | Wilfrid Laurier University | |
| SEIU 1 | Red Cross, Cambridge Memorial Hospital | |
| SMWIA 562 | construction companies | |
| UFCW 175/633 | Loblaws stores | |
| USW 2859 | Babcock and Wilcox | |
| USW 4610 | Frito Lay, Weston’s | |
| USW 5699 | Canada Alloy Casting | |
| USW 838 | several large employers | |
| USW 862 | Canadian General Tower | |
| USW 4045 | Cambridge Brass | |
| WLUFA | Faculty Association Wilfrid Laurier University | |
| OSSTF D35 Wilfred Laurier University Staff Association (WLUSA) | Staff Association Wilfrid Laurier University | |
Affiliate Information
If your local is interested in becoming an affiliate of the Waterloo Regional Labour Council, please contact President Ramzi Abdi.
Affiliate locals can update their delegate list by downloading and completing the form below. Once complete, please email the form as an attachment to President President Ramzi Abdi or mail to the WRLC office.
PDF – DELEGATE FORM
DUES – Please note: In 2017, the WRLC Membership passed an amendment to the By-Laws as follows:
“To amend article 16, section 2 of the Bylaws to change 25 cents to 30 cents effective January 1st, 2018 and to increase by 1 cent each January 1st thereafter.” The current dues rate for the WRLC is $0.35 per member per month
Per Capita Remittance Form for Sept 2025-August 2026 – CLICK HERE
