All News

Market conditions, lack of investment lead to shuttered Cascades Containerboard

TRENTON, Ont. - Unifor is blaming a lack of capital investment during good economic times on the decision by Cascades Containerboard to close its plant here, throwing over 100 Unifor members out of work. 

“This is sadly an example of a company failing to invest when it should and now our members and their families are paying the price,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “I want to be clear we expect the company to come through with severance terms that reflect the workers’ many years of dedicated service.”

Bill 124 appeal ruling a win for workers, Ontarians

TORONTO — Unifor commends the Ontario Court of Appeal’s decision today, upholding the Ontario Superior Court’s ruling that Bill 124 is unconstitutional.

“This decision is vindication for the tens of thousands of workers, many of them working in health care and education, who were denied their constitutional right to fair and free collective bargaining. It also sends a strong and clear message to governments across this country considering using legislative powers to deny workers’ rights,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

RailLine Volume 11 – Issue 5

Autoport Tentative Agreement Results & Our Collective Path Forward

Dear Members,

We wish to inform you that the tentative agreement presented for ratification has not been accepted by our membership. This decision underscores the collective resolve to seek terms that better reflect our contributions and the value we bring to Autoport.

Bell axes workers while lining pockets of shareholders

TORONTO – Unifor is outraged about today’s announcement from Bell Canada Enterprises Inc. (BCE Inc.) to cut 4,800 jobs – 9% of its workforce – affecting 800 of the union’s members, while deliberately putting shareholders ahead of workers with increased dividend payouts.

Workers excluded from Quebec government’s forestry roundtables

Unions representing workers in Quebec's forestry sector say the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (MRNF) is going in the wrong direction for forestry sector consutlations.

Unifor, United Steelworkers, the Centrale des syndicats démocratiques (CSD) and the Fédération de l'industrie manufacturière (FIM-CSN) were united in their denounciation of the MRNF’s process announced during a press conference held on February 7 in Saguenay Quebec.

Health care unions unite for quality care and fair staffing

In a powerful act of solidarity, Unifor, CUPE, and SEIU healthcare workers rallied at the Toronto Sheraton Centre, demanding the Ontario Hospital Association invest more in hospital staffing and fair wages to improve patient care and worker support.

Join Us to Celebrate World Day of Social Justice with Unifor’s Education Webinar

As we approach the 2024 UN World Day for Social Justice, it's crucial now more than ever to spotlight the transformative work being done in the pursuit of equity, rights, and justice globally. 

This year, Unifor is hosting a education webinar on February 20, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm (EST), aimed at shedding light on the impactful efforts being supported through the Social Justice Fund (SJF).

St Marys Cement workers ratify new three-year deal

Unifor members working at St Marys Cement in Bowmanville, Ont. ratified a three-year contract, securing key economic and benefit improvements.

“Local 222 members at St. Marys Cement work incredibly hard in a demanding industry,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “I congratulate the membership for ratifying a very strong collective agreement and our bargaining committee for making so many important gains. Take pride in what you have accomplished here.

“Save our hospital care:" Health care workers to rally for higher staffing levels and quality patient care

OCHU/CUPE, SEIU Healthcare and Unifor joined by all opposition leaders to say the government must address workers’ concerns to protect quality patient care

Toronto, ON – “Save our hospital care” will be the rallying cry on Tuesday as hundreds of health care workers hold a demonstration in Toronto on Tuesday, February 6 demanding higher staffing levels and quality patient care from the Ford government and their employers.

Canadian Air Navigation Specialists Association files for conciliation after talks break down with NAV Canada

TORONTO—The Canadian Air Navigation Specialists Association (CANSA) at Unifor Local 1016 filed a Notice of Dispute last week to enter conciliation after hitting an impasse with NAV Canada in bargaining that began in May of last year.

“This filing is a continuation of the bargaining process with outside assistance,” said James Walker, president of CANSA and Unifor Local 1016. “We are committed to negotiating the best possible deal for our members during these challenging times.”

PWTransit workers ratify new agreement, ending nearly two-month-long strike

COMOX, B.C.– Unifor Local 114 members at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) in Comox Valley and Campbell River, B.C., have successfully ratified a new collective agreement that addresses some fixes to the public transit system.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee and to the members for standing strong at the bargaining table and on the picket lines to make a stand for improving public transit,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Unifor condemns Premier Smith’s anti-transgender crusade

EDMONTON—Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s new plans to block access to gender-affirming medical care for younger teens is a violation of fundamental human rights and will cause avoidable harm to transgender youth, says Unifor.

“Premier Smith has prioritized wedge politics over tackling the pressing economic issues facing Alberta’s workers and their families,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “She’s put a bullseye on our most vulnerable youth to score cheap points with ultra conservatives. It’s disgusting.”

Unifor in solidarity with striking Mexican auto workers at Audi

Independent Union of Audi Mexico Workers (SITAUDI)
César Orta, Secretary-General 

Dear Brother Orta,

Re: Unifor in solidarity with striking Mexican auto workers at Audi

On behalf of Unifor’s 315,000 members across Canada, we extend our full support and solidarity with the more that 4,000 striking auto workers represented by the Independent Union of Audi Mexico Workers (SITAUDI) at the Audi plant in Puebla, Mexico.

Jamieson Laboratories workers are on strike

WINDSOR – Unifor Local 195 members who work at Jamieson Laboratories in Windsor, Ont. went on strike at midnight after rejecting the latest offer by the employer.  

The union’s strike action stemmed primarily from disputes over wages, the duration of a proposed four-year agreement, benefits, and job security.  

Despite extensive discussions, the employer’s offer failed to meet the expectations and needs of the membership. The union emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement that upholds the livelihoods and well-being of their members.  

SPEA welcomes government support for Pickering reactor refurbishment plan

Province of Ontario’s investment supports made in Canada low-carbon energy solution

Refurbishing units at Pickering Nuclear Generating Station is a win for Ontario’s energy workers, the economy, and a net-zero future, says the Society of Professional Engineers and Associates (SPEA-Unifor).

BIWOC Conference celebrates a decade of victories and stories

The 2023 Black, Indigenous and Workers of Colour Conference theme was “growing together,” celebrating 10 years of Unifor’s victories through the lens of BIWOC communities and continuing to build on these victories. Check out the powerful and joyous moments that reflect on a decade of solidarity.

Unifor Celebrates Black Excellence: Statement on Black History Month 2024

As we embark on the vibrant and empowering month of February, Unifor celebrates and reflects on the incredible contributions and resilience of Black communities, who throughout history, have played pivotal roles in shaping societies, breaking barriers, and inspiring profound and positive change. 

Scott Moe is overseeing record job losses at SaskTel

SaskTel is a Crown corporation held in high regard for its customer service and province-wide coverage. Under the Scott Moe government, it has been experiencing a troubling trend: the gradual but steady contracting out of union jobs.

This shift, marked by a reduction of approximately 300 good jobs in the last four years—10% of the unionized workforce—poses a threat not just to workers but to the very ethos of what a Crown corporation represents in Saskatchewan.

Contracting out at SaskTel are not isolated incidents but part of a broader, worrying pattern under the Sask Party.

Unifor demands Northern Pulp extend pension recall rights

HALIFAX - Unifor is demanding Northern Pulp reverse its decision to end pension recall rights for members of Unifor Local 440.

“Unifor gave a strong recommendation to Northern Pulp to wait until the CCAA proceedings are resolved before making any decisions that affect members of Local 440,” said Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray. “Extending pension recall rights costs the company absolutely nothing out of pocket but they chose to snub the group of people who have been their most ardent supporters.”

Unifor is disappointed by indefinite curtailment of Crofton mill

VANCOUVER-Unifor is calling for an immediate response by all levels of government to support the Vancouver Island forestry sector following Paper Excellence’s announcement to curtail operations at its Crofton pulp mill indefinitely.

“An indefinite curtailment is an immeasurable loss for too many workers and their families who deserve so much better from Paper Excellence,” said National President Lana Payne. “These companies must be held to account and Canada and B.C. must support a value-added forestry industry that creates good, union jobs for generations to come.”

RailLine Volume 11 – Issue 3

Tentative Agreement Reached With Autoport Eastern Passage 

Dear Members,

We are pleased to announce that after a series of intensive negotiations, the bargaining team at Autoport Eastern Passage has reached a tentative agreement with the employer. This marks a significant milestone in our collective bargaining process, which began back on September 28, 2023.

Unifor Statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

On this solemn occasion of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Unifor stands in solidarity to honor the memory of the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. The Holocaust a systematic genocide, orchestrated by Nazi Germany during World War II, resulted in the mass persecution and murder of approximately six million European Jews, along with millions of others targeted based on ethnicity, religion, political beliefs, sexuality, and disabilities. 

Unifor opens its doors — and arms — to locals

Unifor locals embraced the opportunity to meet-and-greet with the union’s leadership and various departments at an Open House at the national office in Toronto on Jan. 24.

“We’re pleased to welcome our members to their union’s national office,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “A lot of great work happens here, and our work is for and with members every single day.”