All News

Talks break down with RA Centre

OTTAWA, Nov. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - Negotiations between Unifor and the RA Centre have broken down as of last night, after RA tabled a final offer that failed to meet even the most common of contract provisions.

The RA Centre won't even agree to basic provisions around job security, work hours and lay-off protection, said Mike Armstrong, Unifor National Representative.

Lost opportunity in Ontario's forestry industry

TORONTO, Nov. 13, 2014 /CNW/ - Unifor is calling on the Wynne government to ensure an opportunity to expand and strengthen Ontario's recovering forestry sector is not lost.

"We are frustrated that plans to save a closed pulp mill in Fort Frances currently owned by Resolute Forestry are needlessly floundering," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.

Popular Ottawa rec centre may force staff out on strike

OTTAWA, Nov. 13, 2014 /CNW/ - Unifor is returning to the bargaining table with the RA Centre on Friday, November 14, after many months of stagnating negotiations and dropping morale. Unifor Local 4270 represents the 55 unionized staff members at the RA Centre, who have been without a collective agreement since May.

Members have voted 85 per cent in favour of a strike, if necessary.

World AIDS Day

On December 1, World AIDS Day, unions around the world taking action – recognizing HIV/AIDS as a workplace issue, a union issue and a social justice. Such actions include awareness-raising events, seminars, film screenings and more...

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver staff reach 3-year deal with employer

VANCOUVER, Nov. 7, 2014 /CNW/ - Strong economic gains and benefits for retirees form the basis of a three-year collective agreement ratified today by Unifor Local 4275, the union representing 425 staff at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.

Unifor members demand fair deal for health care workers

LONDON, ON, Nov. 6, 2014 /CNW/ - Unifor members across the province are gathering for demonstrations to demand a fair deal for health care workers after years of wage freezes. Health care workers and supporters from several communities are marching to MPP offices and at workplaces to encourage adequate funding for the health care system and its employees.

Agreement positions Kamloops mill for future

KAMLOOPS, BC, Nov. 3, 2014 /CNW/ - An agreement between Unifor Local 10B and Domtar sets the stage for an expanded commitment to apprenticeship training that will help to keep good jobs in Kamloops.

Unifor negotiations with Seaway go to arbitration

CORNWALL, ON, Nov. 2, 2014 /CNW/ - In a deal reached this evening, five Unifor locals have averted a strike Monday along the St. Lawrence Seaway by agreeing to send the outstanding issues to binding arbitration.

"We have been meeting night and day the past week to reach a deal, and came to the conclusion that arbitration was the best way to resolve remaining issues," Unifor National Representative Joel Fournier said.

Seaway strike deadline extended

CORNWALL, ON, Oct. 31, 2014 /CNW/ - A strike deadline for workers along the St. Lawrence Seaway, set for just past noon today, has been extended to 5pm Monday, Unifor said this morning.

"We remain hopeful that a deal can be reached," said Unifor National Representative Joel Fournier.

Bell Aliant members ratify new collective agreement

HALIFAX, Oct. 30, 2014 /CNW/ - Members at Bell Aliant workplaces across the Atlantic Provinces have voted to ratify a new collective agreement with 74 per cent of members voting in favour. This agreement with Bell Aliant will take effect on January 1, 2015 and will cover the employees once they become employees of Bell Canada Enterprises, Inc. (BCE).

Unifor responds to recent attack on armoured car driver

On the evening of October 29, an armoured truck robbery occurred in the Montreal neighborhood of Rosemont once again establishing the need for a national taskforce to look into safety standards in the armoured car industry.

To read the whole story click here.

Strike notice served on Seaway

CORNWALL, ON, Oct. 28, 2014 /CNW/ - Five Unifor locals along the St. Lawrence Seaway today stood up for good jobs and public safety, serving 72 hours' strike notice along the waterway.

"The communities along the Seaway benefit both from the good jobs it provides, and the work our members do to keep the waterway safe," Unifor National Representative Joel Fournier said.

Unifor congratulates progressive candidates

TORONTO, Oct. 27, 2014 /CNW/ - Unifor congratulates the many progressive candidates who were elected today in Ontario's municipal and school board elections.

Sheri Laekeman: Seaway automation a public safety concern

By Sheri Laekeman

The St. Lawrence Seaway is a vital link to the rest of the world for much of the Canadian economy.

More than 37 million tonnes of cargo last year passed through the waterway’s locks along the Welland Canal and the St. Lawrence River. Add to that more than 10,000 pleasure craft moving through the Seaway, and you begin to see how important the system is to the Canadian fabric.