Lana Payne: Tough Cookie

The Women Of Ill Repute

Lana Payne is a firecracker. She’ll answer anything. As the new head of UNIFOR Canada’s biggest private sector union, she talks about dealing with Doug Ford, allegations of corruption, making nice with other unions and the threat of a general strike. All with a big smile on her face. She’s proud of being the first woman in that job and super proud of her union roots in Newfoundland. Maureen is a bit obsessed with Norma Rae. Less so with Jimmy Hoffa.

Lana Payne’s dad was a union guy in Newfoundland and Labrador who happily paid his dues. His daughter started as a labour reporter , then columnist, and is now the first woman to run UNIFOR, Canada’s largest private sector union. With the threat of the notwithstanding clause to shut down a CUPE strike, Payne’s UNIFOR promised 100,000 dollars to help fight back. It was a big bet and it worked.

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