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NAV Canada threatens workers with use of scabs

As the Canadian Air Navigation Specialists Association (CANSA) at Unifor Local 1016 continued to negotiate with NAV Canada on the Maintenance of Activities in the event of a legal strike and/or lock-out to protect the Canadian travelling public, the company has advised the local it plans to use scab labour. 

GreenShield workers ratify new contract that protects them from outsourcing and boosts job security

WINDSOR – Unifor members at GreenShield Canada look forward to returning to work after ratifying a new three-year contract by 92% in Windsor and 91% in Toronto with the company, ending a strike that began on March 1.

“I am so very proud of this bargaining committee and these members for standing up and fighting to protect good jobs for women for today and into the future,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We can’t advance equality in this country without the power of trade union women fighting on all fronts.”

Budget 2024 delivers social progress to help Canadians weather economic headwinds

OTTAWA –Unifor recognizes the federal government for delivering a budget that pushes social progress and jobs in the face of economic inequities, relentless affordability pressures and stubbornly high interest rates.

“Working people in Canada have been struggling with an affordability crisis, exacerbated by the Bank of Canada’s stubborn refusal to lower interest rates,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Unifor reaches tentative agreement with Dominion

ST. JOHN’S–Unifor reached a tentative agreement with Loblaw-owned Dominion stores in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Details of the tentative agreement will first be shared with Dominion members of Unifor Local 597 in a series of ratification meetings to be scheduled in the coming days.

Unifor represents more than 1,200 Dominion grocery workers at 11 stores across the island of Newfoundland.

Unifor reaches tentative agreement with GreenShield

WINDSOR – Unifor members on strike at GreenShield Canada have reached a tentative deal with the company.

Members from Unifor locals 240 in Windsor and 673 in Toronto began strike action on March 1 over key issues of job security and contracting out.

The ratification meetings in Windsor and Toronto are scheduled Wed., April 17. 

No details will be released until after the ratification meeting.

There are over 580 union members in Windsor and 24 union members at Local 673 in Toronto.

Unifor files applications to represent workers at two Amazon fulfilment centres

VANCOUVER—The campaign for workers at Amazon facilities in Metro Vancouver to form a union has reached a pivotal stage today after Unifor filed two applications to the B.C. Labour Relations Board (BCLRB).

“Workers at Amazon are seeking job security, better health and safety, and fair wages,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Forming a democratic union in their workplace is the path to improved conditions of work.”

Forestry, transit, and pay equity on the agenda for Unifor meetings with B.C. government caucus

VICTORIA—More than fifty Unifor members from across the province participated in meetings during April 2–4 with MLAs from their regions and cabinet ministers overseeing key economic sectors.

“This was a great opportunity to directly communicate the ideas and concerns of working people with the very decision-makers who update B.C.’s laws and regulations to improve working conditions for all,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “Lobby meetings are an important tool in our broader approach to affecting change for workers.”

Unifor ratifies agreement with CN Autoport

HALIFAX— Unifor members at CN Autoport have ratified a three-year collective agreement, ending a 37-day strike at the transshipment facility in Eastern Passage, N.S.

Unifor reaches tentative agreement with CN Autoport

HALIFAX–Unifor and CN Autoport reached a tentative agreement today, after the conciliator invited the union back to the negotiating table at the company’s request. 

Details will be shared with Autoport members first at meetings scheduled for tomorrow, April 3, 2024, where members will vote on the tentative agreement.

Picket lines at the Autoport in Eastern Passage will remain active until a collective agreement is ratified.

Expertech workers move towards strike action

TORONTO— The bargaining committee representing members of Expertech, a wholly owned Bell Canada Enterprises Inc. company, is gearing up for a crucial strike vote, signaling the potential for imminent strike action. Following months of negotiation and the intervention of conciliation, Bell Expertech has yet to present a substantive monetary offer or commit to limit outsourcing to third-party contractors rather than investing in its own workforce.

Griffin Wheel workers strike over pension plans and forced overtime

WINNIPEG – Unifor members who work at Griffin Wheel, a foundry that manufactures train wheels in Winnipeg, went on strike this morning at 9 a.m., after the company’s latest offer would erode pensions, seniority rights and work-life balance issues.

Unifor condemns Manitoba PCs for blocking key employment bills

WINNIPEG—Manitoba workers and their families are paying the price after key legislation was blocked this week by the PC caucus.

“The Wab Kinew government has a clear mandate from voters to build an economy on good jobs and fair pay. By blocking key employment reforms, the PC caucus has reminded voters why the PCs aren’t fit to govern,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We call on the Manitoba PCs to stop playing games and let the Premier get to work on the agenda he was democratically elected to implement.”

Bell terminates workers on virtual group meetings

TORONTO – Hundreds of Unifor Bell telecommunications members are being terminated on virtual group meetings today, just a day after Unifor rallied in Ottawa to call out Bell Canada Enterprises Inc. (BCE) for cutting thousands of jobs across the country while continuing to rake in profits and increase payouts to shareholders. 

Unifor calls out Bell on ducking accountability for job cuts

OTTAWA –Unifor rallied in Ottawa today to call out Bell Canada Enterprises Inc. (BCE) for postponing a scheduled hearing before the House of Commons Heritage Committee to answer for the recent termination of 9% of BCE’s workforce.

Solidarity action stops CN train in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG—A CN train was safely stopped during a solidarity action by Unifor members in Winnipeg this evening as part of an escalation caused by the company’s use of scab labour in Halifax.

“CN cannot escape the spotlight. The shameful behaviour by CN Autoport in Halifax will be met with resistance across our union,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “CN can expect more unscheduled disruption from coast-to-coast if it continues strike-busting tactics.”

Forestry Workers’ Summit unites workers in effort to strengthen sector

VICTORIA—Rank-and-file forestry workers, union leaders, policymakers, and researchers gathered to hash out solutions to the crisis facing British Columbia’s forestry industry during a policy summit on March 12 in Victoria.

The summit, jointly hosted by Unifor, the United Steelworkers union (USW), and the Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC), was an unprecedented gathering of workers who have experienced firsthand the many mill closures and related job losses in an industry that was once world-renowned.