Lana Payne’s victory as the first woman president in Unifor history is considered significant. At the same time, she and several other women executives within the automotive industry recognize that females lag behind males in leadership roles in this sector, and in society in general.
Payne formerly served as the Secretary-Treasurer of Unifor, which is the largest private sector union in Canada, and defeated two male candidates last week.
“If you look at the reopening of the (GM plant in Oshawa), 50 per cent of the new hires are women, so our workplaces are changing and as a result of that so is our union leadership, and that was reflected in my election,” said Payne in an interview with Canadian auto dealer. “I think we also have to understand there are still a lot of barriers that women face in our society, not the least of which is women in leadership and in the workplace itself.”
She said the only way that will change is to knock those barriers down and make sure there is greater representation of women at all levels of the union and society.
“This clearly was a big step in that regard,” said Payne. “If women, non-binary folks, workers of colour, indigenous people and Black members are all encouraged by this, I’m over the moon with that.”
Susan Gubasta, President and CEO of Mississauga Toyota, can relate to what Payne is experiencing. Gubasta made history a few years ago as the first President of the Trillium Automobile Dealers Association, and a year later as the first President of the Canadian International Autoshow. She said the victory by Payne is a symbol that the “tides are turning” in terms of the advancement of women in the automotive industry.
“When you look at her experience, it speaks for itself,” said Gubasta. “I see this as a step forward for women, and there will come a day when we view this as the right person for the job with zero chatter about gender.”
Laura Zanchin, who along with her sister Andria are the Principal and Executive Vice-Presidents of Zanchin Automotive Group, congratulated Payne on working her way up to the top.
“I support any woman who can get to that level, because we are few and far between and it’s very difficult,” said Zanchin. “I’m thrilled that a female is taking over that position, because I think a female perspective is needed anywhere and she’ll definitely bring more accountability and transparency to Unifor.”
Zanchin said it is imperative for her as a woman in an executive position to support this type of landmark achievement.
“If I don’t support it, then it gets lost and it never happens,” said Zanchin. “That’s why we have to make something like this a big deal and kind of beat her drum, because it doesn’t happen often and it should.”
Yolanda Biswah, Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Canadian Black Book, said Payne’s victory is positive for young women hoping for similar roles in the industry. Biswah went through a similar experience as Payne when she was promoted to her position in August 2021. In her case, it was noteworthy both from a gender perspective and becoming the first Black woman in that role.
“We’re still in an industry where it’s always announced when a company hires a woman,” said Biswah. “It shouldn’t be a thing, but unfortunately it still is.”
