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Unifor presents its recommendations for strengthening Buy Canadian policies

Ottawa– Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier appeared today before the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO) as part of its examination of the federal government’s Buy Canadian policy. 

In his presentation, Daniel Cloutier reiterated that the trade war launched by the United States has underscored the vulnerability of Canada’s economy and the importance of rebuilding the country’s industrial capacity. 

Unifor vows to fight for safe workplaces on the prairies

At the 2026 Prairie Regional Council, Unifor members resolved to respond to increasing hazards in workplaces, such as mining sites, with a campaign for stronger health and safety regulations and harsher penalties for employers who put workers in harm's way.

Unifor-backed pay equity recommendations become law in New Brunswick

After decades of advocacy by pay equity groups, including Unifor, workers in New Brunswick secured a major victory on June 12 with the passage of the Pay Transparency Act. The new law aims to advance pay equity by identifying and addressing gender pay gaps across the province.

In the short-term, the legislation expands pay transparency to many public sector workers, with a commitment to expand it to the private and care sectors by 2028.

On World Refugee Day, a commitment to safety for all

On June 20, World Refugee Day, the world marks the courage and resilience of people forced to flee their homes. This year’s theme, “Until Everyone is Safe,” is both a reminder and a demand.

The scale of forced displacement has never been greater. By the end of 2025, more than 117 million people had been forcibly displaced by conflict, persecution, climate change and economic insecurity. 

The Power of Us centre stage at Black, Indigenous and Workers of Colour Conference

This year’s Black, Indigenous and Workers of Colour (BIWOC) Conference, held June 12-14, 2026, at the Unifor Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, Ont., explored the theme Status, Safety and Solidarity: The Power of Us.

Unifor Equity and Racial Justice Director Tricia Wilson invited more than 160 delegates to engage with tactile cards on their tables and anonymously share their histories so that, by the end of the weekend, the stories would generate a guide forward for the BIWOC community.

Unifor Skilled Trades Council focuses on protecting jobs, strengthening apprenticeships and growing the next generation of Skilled Trades workers

Protecting Canadian manufacturing jobs, strengthening apprenticeships and addressing workplace harassment were key themes at the Unifor National Skilled Trades Council. The approximately100 delegates and staff from across the country gathered June 12–14 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., to share strategies, build solidarity and advance priorities for Skilled Trades workers across sectors.

Letter to MP Wayne Long Re: Opportunities at AV Group NB

The Honourable Wayne Long, MP (Saint John—Kennebecasis)
Secretary of State 
Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions

RE: Opportunities at AV Group NB

Dear Secretary of State Long,

I am writing today to bring to your attention concerns around two forestry mills operating in the province of New Brunswick, employing Unifor members.

Unifor members ratify new collective agreement at CommerceLink in British Columbia

Unifor members at CommerceLink in British Columbia have ratified a new collective agreement that strengthens job security and improves wages and benefits.

“Collective bargaining is one of the most powerful tools workers have to protect themselves through periods of industry change and growing competition,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “By standing together, CommerceLink members in British Columbia secured fair wages, better benefits and the job security protections they need to move forward with stability and confidence.”

Letter: New Brunswick’s $2.4M contribution to Agropur ahead of Sussex plant closure

Honourable Susan Holt
Premier of New Brunswick
Chancery Place

RE: New Brunswick’s $2.4 Million Non-Repayable Contribution to Agropur in Light of the Planned Closure of the Sussex Plant

Dear Premier Holt,

On behalf of Unifor and the workers at Agropur Dairy Cooperative’s Sussex-area plant whose livelihoods are being threatened, we are asking the Government of New Brunswick to immediately re-evaluate its decision to provide Agropur with $2.4 million in public funding.

Unifor Pride Conference, 25 years of community

Let’s look back on Unifor’s 2025 Pride Conference, with marked the 25th anniversary of the union’s first conference. 

This biennial event builds the skills of LGBTQIA+ activists and forges coalitions across generations of trade unionists. 

If you can’t wait for the 2027 Pride Conference, then check out this year’s Human Rights Conference to keep the learning and working towards equity and justice for all. https://www.unifor.org/news/events/human-rights-conference-0 

Unifor hospital workers in Northern Ontario ratify new 3-year contract

The new collective agreement covers more than 2,000 hospital workers across northern Ontario and builds on an established pattern that prioritizes staffing stability and wage parity.

“I’m incredibly proud of our members for holding their ground and standing up for patient care in the North, their determination at the table will translate to improved care and more staffing stability in a region where it’s desperately needed,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

Letter: Unifor urges federal government to stand up for journalism and local news

The Right Honourable Mark Carney
Prime Minister of Canada
The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture

RE: Standing Up for Journalism and Local News

Dear Prime Minister Carney and Minister Miller,

I am writing to express Unifor’s deep concern regarding your government’s recent decision to reverse measures associated with the Online Streaming Act (OSA), particularly those relating to financial contribution requirements for U.S.-based streaming companies.

Unifor members ratify new contract at Fairmont Empress

VICTORIA—Wage increases and mental health benefits are key improvements in a collective agreement ratified today by Unifor Local 4276 at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.

“Hospitality workers are the backbone of the industry. Their work must be respected and recognized in their collective agreements,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We’re proud of the Unifor members at the Fairmont Empress who bargained hard for strong improvements.”

Letter: The growing cost of contract flipping at Toronto Pearson airport

Deborah Flint
CEO – Greater Toronto Airports Authority 
Toronto, ON

Dear Ms. Flint

I am writing to raise a matter of growing urgency for workers across Canada’s aviation sector and for the stability of airport operations at Toronto Pearson: the continued practice of contract flipping and the escalating impacts it is having on workforce continuity, safety culture, and the long‑term resilience of airport services.

ARC We're All Worth the Fight

At ARC 2026 We're All Worth the Fight, this video is a powerful reminder that every worker in our union is worth standing with and standing up for.

An injury to one is an injury to all: Unifor recognizes Injured Workers Day

On Monday, June 1, Unifor members joined labour allies, advocates, and community organizations at Queen’s Park in recognition of Injured Workers Day.

“On Injured Workers Day, we rally together to remind governments that injured workers cannot be ignored,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We also come together raise awareness about workplace injuries and the importance of advocating for healthy and safe workplaces.”

Thousands rally at Queen’s Park to defend public health care

Unifor joined thousands of health care and social service workers, patients, union allies, and advocates in a march from union station to Queen’s Park on May 28, where they held a massive protest to demand urgent action to protect and strengthen Ontario’s public health care system.

Unifor pre-budget testimony urges measures to protect Canadian jobs

Unifor National President Lana Payne presented to the Standing Committee on Finance on June 2, as part of the 2026 pre-budget consultation. Payne’s testimony focused on the measures the federal government must take to protect Canadian jobs.

“Canada’s economy and labour market are showing cracks, with private sector industries and workplaces facing mounting pressure. These pressures are converging on Canadian workers from different directions,” said Payne.

Fairmont Empress workers serve strike notice

VICTORIA—Unifor Local 4276 has served strike notice at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, which means they could be on the picket line as early as 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 6.

"Our members voted clearly for a mandate, and the employer responded with very little movement at the table," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "The time to bargain a resolution is right now."

Auto Talks 2026 Message from Lana Payne: Bargaining begins June 22

On June 22, Unifor begins Detroit Three bargaining in what will be one of the most consequential rounds of auto negotiations our union has faced. 

We’re heading into these negotiations at a critical moment for auto workers. 

Unifor will begin negotiations with Ford Motor Company, where we believe we can establish the strongest possible pattern agreement for Detroit Three members.