Work continues on return of labour council to Rainy River District

The Fort Frances and District Labour Council is close to being back in place.

A meeting on Monday aims to complete the necessary steps and allow for a new executive to be selected.

The council was active for several years but sat dormant since COVID and the passing of a long-time president.

Recent interest has led to the revival.

One of the organizers, Rochelle Jensson, a member of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union in Rainy River, says it will help strengthen the district’s labour movement.

“Labour councils are a force in the communities, and we really want to be represented in our smaller communities here in the Rainy River District,” says Jensson.

“It’s our unions coming together, really all workers. You don’t even necessarily have to be part of one of our unions, but we’re all about workers’ rights and supporting the community being here for future generations.”

Jensson says they need the support of at least five presidents of local unions, and agree to affiliate with the council.

She is hoping they can exceed that number to give the council an even larger voice.

“It is really important for us to be able to support each other and act in solidarity,” says Jensson.

Jensson says once an executive is in place, they will likely look at some of the by-laws put in place by the former Council, to ensure they are relevant and up to date.

Monday’s meeting will take place at the OPSEU’s Fort Frances office, located on Scott Street beside the Rainy Lake Square.

It will begin at 6 p.m.