Each year the Niagara Regional Labour Council takes time to have observances at memorials at accident sites and city halls across the region.

Please join us at the closest memorial to yourself, or any you are able to attend.

7:30AM – St. Catharines
Monument dedicated to the Fallen Welland Canal Workers
located at Lock 3 on the Welland Canal Parkway at the St. Catharines Museum
1932 Welland Canals Parkway Lock 3, St. Catharines, ON

8:00AM – St. Catharines
Monument dedicated to four fallen workers
Under the St. Catharines Skyway, along Welland Canal Parkway
North of the Queenston / Parkway intersection

9:15AM – Niagara-on-the-Lake
Monument for Joel Murray
Centennial Arena – 1557 Four Mile Creek Rd. in Virgil

10:30AM – Niagara Falls
Monument located at Niagara Falls City Hall
4310 Queen Street, Niagara Falls, ON

11:45AM – Fort Erie
Monument located at Fort Erie City Hall
1 Municipal Centre Dr, Fort Erie, ON

1:00PM – Port Colborne
Monument located in H.H. Knoll Park, beside the hospital
260 Sugarloaf St, Port Colborne, ON

2:00PM – Welland
Monument located beside the canal in Merritt Park
151 King St, Welland, ON

3:00PM – Port Robinson
In memory of Robyn Lafleur, Port Robinson Park
1 River Road Port Robinson, ON

4:00PM – St. Catharines
Monument located at St. Catharines City Hall
50 Church St., St. Catharines, ON

5:15PM – Thorold
Monument located at the Region of Niagara Headquarters
1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON

If you have any questions, please contact the Labour Council at:
nrlc.clc@gmail.com

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Courses will be offered at the Best Western St. Catharines Hotel & Conference Centre, 2 North Service Rd, St. Catharines, Ontario

WHSC 5 Day Level 1 Occupational Health & Safety Training
July 20-24, 2026 – 30 Hours including 3 optional subjects
$575.00 per participant

Course Description:
The WHSC Occupational Health & Safety Level 1 program is intended for use by unions to train new joint committee members and health and safety representatives. Through the level 1 program, participants learn and practice skills needed to promote and achieve prevention in the workplace. Upon completion of the program, learners receive a Level 1 certificate. The Level 1 program trains worker representatives to identify and fight off behavioral-based management approaches and establish real prevention programs that identify, assess, and control hazards. The WHSC Level 1 is a certificate program and the prerequisite for entering Level 2 programs and Instructor Training. To earn a Level 1 certificate a participant must complete seven core modules and three additional electives. The seven core modules are:
1. Staying Alive While Earning a Living
2. The Body in the Workplace
3. Toxic Substances
4. Principles of Control
5. It’s the Law
6. The Myth of Worker Carelessness
7. Making Work Fit the Worker

WHSC 3 Day Bundle
July 22 – 24, 2026 – 18 Hours
$500 per participant for the 5 courses

Ergonomics: Basic Principals (6 hours)

From 1996 – 2004, Ontario’s workers compensation system approved more than 382,000 MSD lost-time claims. These claims led to nearly 27 million lost-time days and direct costs of more than $3.3 billion. This makes MSDs the number one reason for lost-time claims reported by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). This program, “Ergonomics” was developed to empower workplace parties with the skills to recognize, assess, and control or eliminate the job demands that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders through the application of egronomical principals. Observing awkward postures, forceful movements or repetitive job tasks are clear signs that the presence of occupational MSD hazards exist. Listening to what workers say will provide signals about how the job demands are affecting them. The first part of this program, Module 1, “Ergonomics: Recognizing Injuries and Risk Factors” explains what MSDs are, how the body is affected, and provides participants with the information necessary to recognize the risk factors that contribute to MSDs. The second half of the program, Module 2, “Ergonomics: Design Principles” deals with the principles of work design. Workers who do the work are often the people who know best when the work activity is causing strain, stress, or pain. They are often the same people who have ideas or suggestions about changes that can be used successfully.

Documenting Health & Safety (3 hours)

This three-hour program takes a strong practical approach to documenting health & safety. Participants will examine six basic areas: (1) why documenting health and safety is critical, (2) ways to document, (3) specific types of documents to use (4) what to document (5) when to document, and (6) how to organize their documents. It provides various methods using forms that are perforated for easy and quick use. Participants will have multiple opportunities to practice documenting by sitting in a JHSC meeting practice documenting by sitting in a JHSC meeting to practice their note taking skills when listening to interactive audio-led worksheets and take part in a work refusal. The goal of this program is to ensure participants can walk away prepared to bring health and safety issues to the forefront in their workplaces.

Psychosocial Hazards & Workplace Mental Health (3 hours)

This program provides a basic understanding of psychosocial hazards and how they may impact a worker’s mental health. It outlines the health effects associated with psychosocial hazards, explains workplace and contributing factors and discusses methods for their identification, assessment and control. The program concludes with a discussion on preventative and protective measures for a safer and healthier workplace.

Stress in the Workplace (3 hours)

Evidence is mounting clearly showing that stress is a serious workplace hazard affecting workers health and well-being. The effects may not be so obvious at first. Symptoms take the form of worry, headaches, chest pain, tension in the neck and shoulders, fatigue, and depression. Over a period of time, workplace stress wreaks havoc on our bodies resulting in illness and disease. This module is intended to provide participants with an understanding of the hazards of workplace stress. Using the principles of recognition, assessment and control, the participant gains knowledge about:

• What workplace stress is and the magnitude of the problem
• The body’s reaction to it and its health effects
• Workplace stressors
• Methods of assessment and the principles of control as they relate to workplace stress
• Workplace Strategies

Strategies require the collaboration of the workplace parties to come together to find solutions. The joint health and safety committee’s role, a key part of this process, is therefore emphasized in this program.

Workplace Violence and Harassment (3 hours)

Workplace violence and harassment are serious health and safety hazards. Canadian workers report some of the highest rates of assaults in the world. Harassment is often a precursor to violence. Workplace violence can have detrimental impacts not only on the victim but also on the victims’ family and friends, co-workers and others who may have witnessed the incident or been targeted. Incidents of workplace violence can result in serious injuries, psychological trauma, and in some cases, fatalities. This three-hour module reflects legislative amendments made to the Act to include workplace violence and harassment. In this module, participants will explore what workplace violence and harassment are, risk factors associated with workplace violence, how to assess the workplace and specific risk factors, requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, what should be included within required policies and programs and how to control risk factors when elimination of same is not possible.

Prevention Link Level 1 & 2 WSIB
July 20-24, 2026
$650 per participant

Level 1 & 2 foundation courses that teach participants the workers’ compensation system in Ontario (WSIB). They learn about the principles of workers compensation, how to report and file a WSIB claim, types of injuries, regulations and policies, benefits and services, and much more.

Firm registration deadline is June 26, 2026

Payment is by cheque, please make it out to:
Niagara Regional Labour Council
PO Box 42, Thorold, Ontario
L2V 3Y7

For application forms and to reserve our spot please email NRLC.CLC@gmail.com

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By leading the conversation in speaking out against this issue and providing the assistance for those affected by abuse, we break the silence against domestic violence and provide hope and empowerment for all.

We are requesting your support in donating monetarily, donations of personal care products, auction prizes and/or door prizes would be appreciated.

There is also a breakfast (no fee) at 7:00 am to 8:30 am at Club Capri, 36 Cleveland At., Thorold.

All proceeds raised from our ticket sales that day for the door prizes will be going to the Shoe Box Project of Niagara.

To register please fill out and email this form to: nrlc.clc@gmail.com

THE SHOEBOX PROJECT MISSION:
“TO SHARE EMPATHY, KINDNESS AND COMPASSION WITH LOCAL
WOMEN IMPACTED BY HOMELESSNESS THROUGH THE COLLECTION
AND DISTRIBUTION OF GIFT-FILLED SHOEBOXES AND MESSAGES OF
SUPPORT”.

A SHOEBOX GIFT IS A POWERFUL REMINDER FOR A WOMAN THAT SHE HAS NOT
BEEN FORGOTTEN AND THAT SHE REMAINS A VALUED AND RESPECTED MEMBER
OF HER COMMUNITY.
IT’S A SMALL, SIMPLE GESTURE OF KINDNESS THAT HAS AN IMMEDIATE, POSITIVE
IMPACT ON THE WOMAN WHO RECEIVES IT.

Each Shoebox is valued at approximately $50.
*GIFT CARD (WE RECOMMEND $10 TO A GROCERY OR DRUG STORE)
*SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER (CONSIDER ALL HAIR TYPES AND TEXTURES)
*BODY WASH
*DEODORANT
*TOOTHBRUSH & TOOTHPASTE
*WARM SOCKS
*CHOCOLATE/CANDY
THE SHOEBOX PROJECT IS A TANGIBLE AND CREATIVE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE
BACK DIRECTLY TO SOMEONE IN YOUR VERY OWN COMMUNITY.

The post National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women appeared first on Niagara Regional Labour Council.

This event will kick off the 2024/25 United Way fundraising campaign and the NRLC will be fielding a team of ten to pull a St. Catharines fire truck 100 feet to kick off the fundraising season.

From The United Way:

Get ready to experience the thrilling excitement of United Way’s Annual Fire Truck Pull. This event is more than just a test of strength; it’s the starting point for United Way Niagara’s community-wide fundraising campaign. In Niagara, where the cost of living is high and the need for social programs is growing, United Way Niagara is a lifeline. By bringing teams, sponsors, and supporters together, we’re not just pulling a truck; we’re pulling our community closer. When we unite, we can help lift individuals out of poverty, empower youth, and create a safe and inclusive Niagara for all.

About the Event

The Firetruck Pull is the official kick-off to the 2024 Campaign. Registered teams of 10 people will work together to pull a 12-tonne fire truck 100 feet and raise much needed funds to support the community. 100% of proceeds fund social programs in Niagara (and count toward your workplace campaign total if applicable). This years event is presented by John Deere Canada.

Teams must raise a minimum of $1,500 to participate. Funds can be raised in a number of ways including but not limited to, peer-to-peer (teams will get a custom fundraising page), corporate sponsorship or a combination of both. Going above and beyond is encouraged!

Awards will be given to the teams with:

• Best Team Spirit;
• Fastest Pull Time, and;
• Highest Funds Raised.

Registration now open!

To register a team, please fill in the REGISTRATION FORM below or contact Amanda Rudachuk at amanda.rudachuk@unitedwayniagara.org. Not interesting in entering a team but still want to participate? Consider a sponsorship opportunity!

The event will be held at:

Seymour Hannah Sports & Entertainment Center
240 St. Paul Street, West, St. Catharines

The NRLC is scheduled to pull at 11:55AM, so come out and support your Labour Council as we begin to fundraise for the United Way!

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Every Labour Day the Niagara Regional Labour Council marches alongside other local unions in the parade through the Merritton neighbourhood of St. Catharines. From the Pen Centre to the Lions Club Carnival the streets are lined with the people we serve every day, celebrating the Labour Movement.

While many locals have their own groups marching and floats driving along the route, we ask our Brothers, Sisters, and Members of any union to walk with us in a show of solidarity, and to demonstrate that by working together we are stronger than working apart.

Wear your Union shirts, carry your Union flags and bring your swag to hand out!

Meet us in the Northwest corner of the Pen Centre parking lot at 9AM on Monday, September 2nd to assemble and prepare for the day.

Parade Starts at 11:00 am Sharp!

To let your families and friends know where to sit to cheer us on, the parade route is:

From the Pen Centre, east down Chestnut St to Glengarry Rd.
South on Glengarry Rd. to Glendale Ave
East on Glendale Ave to Marrit St.
North on Merritt St to Seymour Ave
East on Seymour Ave to Park Ave
Finally, South down Park Ave, ending at the Carnival Grounds at the Merritton Community Center

See you with our group or along the route!

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