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December 3 marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a global reminder of our collective responsibility to advance accessibility, equity, and meaningful inclusion for all workers.
This year’s theme, "Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress" reinforces a truth that guides our work at Local 531. Our members with disabilities use their voices, expertise, and leadership to shape the systems, policies, and workplaces that impact their everyday lives.
A fair and sustainable future requires removing long-standing barriers; whether physical barriers that limit mobility, communication barriers that impede full participation, attitudinal barriers rooted in stigma, or systemic barriers that restrict opportunities and leadership. These challenges remain present in our workplaces and communities, yet workers with disabilities continue to demonstrate remarkable leadership, resilience, and innovation. Their experiences strengthen our union and drive solutions that benefit everyone.
At the local level, unions play a crucial role in advancing disability justice. This starts with intentional listening, creating space for honest dialogue, and ensuring that the perspectives of workers with disabilities inform our collective bargaining priorities and workplace advocacy.
If you are interested in establishing a Workers with Disabilities (WWD) Committee, please reach out to your Unit Chair at your Base. These committees identify accessibility gaps, recommend improvements, and ensure decision-making reflects the voices of those directly affected. Our local can use the “10 Steps to Creating a WWD Committee” and make use of the new Inclusive Practices Toolkit to support this work.
Local 531 is proud to celebrate leadership within our own membership. In October, YVR member Ryan McQuary was elected to the BC Regional Council Workers with DisAbilities Committee at the BCRC Conference. Ryan’s commitment, advocacy, and lived experience will help strengthen accessibility and disability representation across British Columbia and Canada.
Ryan was born with Cerebral Palsy and at young age he never let that stop him from achieving whatever he set out to do for himself and for others who need support. Whether it was becoming the youngest college student at BCIT at 17 and the only wheelchair in the college at that time - earning two separate scholarships for his leadership and dedication towards the aviation community or becoming a YVR Star for outstanding work and dedication during his more than 10 years of working with YVR before transitioning to WestJet post Covid proudly representing Persons with Disabilities in the airline and transportation industry.
Ryan’s disability doesn’t stop him but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t faced challenges. Consistently Ryan campaigns for disability recognition and rights both in and out of the workplace. Ryan is enjoys educating others about disabilities and encourages others to understand that a disability doesn’t mean poor work ethic or lack of understanding. He will never stop supporting persons with disabilities because he knows that his voice is his power. Ryan has been involved in many community organizations to advance this work including organizations like Canucks For Kids Fund, Canucks Autism Network and GF Strong.
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Unifor Local 531 reaffirms our commitment to amplifying the voices, leadership, and expertise of persons with disabilities. Building a truly inclusive and sustainable future requires solidarity, intentional action, and recognition that workers with disabilities are essential leaders in shaping the path ahead.
