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Unifor members at Manitoba Lotteries reach tentative agreement

WINNIPEG—Unifor Local 144 members will vote on a contract later this week after negotiations produced a tentative agreement today.

“Our members at Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries demonstrated to the employer they were fed up with the status quo,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Their solidarity and skilled bargaining has resulted in a contract they can be proud of.”

Unifor aviation members rally in Toronto on Day of Action for better working conditions

TORONTO – Unifor aviation members are gathering today at Pearson International Airport during the busy holiday travel season to bring awareness to poor working conditions in the sector that lead to delays, cancellations, lost baggage, and packed airports.

“We all know that travel chaos is common, even without the holiday rush,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.

Better working conditions equals better travel conditions

Editorial by Lana Payne, Unifor National President

Holiday travel often comes with dread and anxiety for many. Delays, lost baggage, packed airports. 

As a union representing aviation workers from baggage handlers to air traffic controllers, we and our members understand that these busy times expose and amplify many of the underlying problems in the sector. 

We reiterate our call for the federal government, airports and airlines to work together to tackle the root problems causing disarray in the aviation industry.

RailLine Volume 10 – Issue 17 Bargaining Update: Local 103

Greetings ONTC members,

We want to update you on the most recent developments in our ongoing negotiations with the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission.

Unifor has issued a notice of dispute, and we are currently waiting for a Federal Conciliator and a Provincial Mediator to be appointed.

As a provincially funded entity, the ONTC received a mandate that does not meet the needs of our membership. As a result, your bargaining committee rejected the employer’s latest proposal and has directed the ONTC to seek an updated mandate from the province.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Unifor aviation members bring attention to working conditions ahead of busy holiday travel season

Unifor members in the aviation sector are rallying at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport on Dec. 18 as a Day of Action for better working and travelling conditions.

Low wages, unpredictable hours, multiple part-time jobs to make ends meet and harassment are just a few of the issues faced by thousands of air transport workers at airports across the country.

These issues are wreaking havoc across the industry causing a worker attraction and retention crisis that industry and government refuse to properly address.

Recruitment and retention issues, pay parity and funding key issues as PWTransit workers go on strike

COMOX, B.C.– Unifor Local 114 members at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) began strike action this morning in Comox and Campbell River, B.C. to make a stand to improve public transit. 

“We don’t take strike action lightly, but this is about fairness for our drivers, and this is about fixing the systemic problems in our transit system to provide better working conditions and quality service for the public,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle. 

Unifor donates $70,000 to public sector strikers in Quebec

MONTREAL - Unifor announced a significant donation of $70,000 today in support of public sector workers engaged in strike action for better working conditions and quality public services in Quebec.

"At this crucial point in the negotiations, the government is counting on the strikers' exhaustion. By calling for solidarity, we hope to inspire other unions to join us in supporting their colleagues in the public services. Together, we can demonstrate that the collective strength of workers is unshakeable," said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier.

PWTransit workers to withdraw service Friday morning

VANCOUVER – Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) bus services will be completely withdrawn in Comox Valley and Campbell River, B.C., as of Fri., Dec. 15 at 4:30 a.m., after contract negotiations failed between the company and members of Unifor Local 114. 

HandyDART will still be available on essential service only levels during the labour action. 

The union submitted a 72-hour strike notice to PWTransit on December 11, 2023. 

Local 114’s contract with PWTransit expired March 31, 2023.

Unifor health care members at Marshall Gowland Manor ratify collective agreement

Unifor Local 302 members employed at Marshall Gowland Manor have in Sarnia, Ontario overwhelmingly voted 97 per cent in favour of ratifying their new collective.

"From the outset of our bargaining efforts, our top priority has always been the well-being of our members," said Rusty Sproul, Local 302 Treasurer. "This agreement not only secures the livelihoods of our 142 dedicated members, but also establishes a promising foundation for future negotiations."

Unifor files 72-hour strike notice with PWTransit

VANCOUVER – Unifor has submitted a 72-hour strike notice to Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) after Local 114 transit workers voted to reject a tentative agreement.

The strike deadline is 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.

Local 114’s contract with PWTransit expired March 31, 2023.

PWT is contracted by BC Transit to provide services in Campbell River and Comox Valley, B.C. and work as transit operators, handy dart operators, mechanics, and cleaners.

Canada’s Best Chance to Ban Scabs

By: Lana Payne

Labour disputes are complicated affairs.

I should know.

This past year, Unifor members have faced more strikes and lockouts than at any time in the union’s 10-year history.

Making the decision to go on strike is a difficult one for workers. It takes an emotional and financial toll on individuals and families. It’s a measure of last resort, and for good reason. That’s why strikes occur in less than two percent of union contract negotiations.  

This month, the federal government, with crucial backing from the NDP, tabled Bill C-58.

Unifor ratifies tentative agreement to establish National Energy pattern

CALGARY—Representatives from Unifor’s energy local unions have ratified the tentative agreement that establishes the pattern for more than 7,500 members of the union’s National Energy Program.

“I congratulate the bargaining committee on setting this new pattern for our members across the energy sector,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “It was a difficult round of bargaining making it all the more important for locals to work together in order to make progress for our energy members.”

Unifor Statement on International Human Rights Day

This is the 75th year since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights came to life. Given the state of the world today, these rights and the leadership and inspiration behind them have never been more needed.

Unifor and Sobeys reach tentative collective agreement

KINCARDINE—Unifor has reached a tentative collective agreement, covering 120 frontline grocery workers, with Sobeys Kincardine. 

Details of the tentative agreement will not be released prior to being presented to members for a ratification vote in the coming week.

PWTransit workers reach tentative agreement with employer

VANCOUVER – Unifor members working at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) in Comox Valley and Campbell River, B.C. have reached a tentative deal with the employer.

A ratification vote is scheduled to take place Sunday, Dec. 10.

More details about the contract will be released following ratification.

Local 114’s contract with PWT expired March 31, 2023.

Kincardine Sobeys grocery workers prepare to strike

KINCARDINE—More than 120 Unifor members at Sobeys Kincardine could be on strike effective 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 7 if the employer, who profited $261 million last quarter alone, does not come to the table with a fair agreement. 
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“Our union is here to deliver improvements in pay and working conditions across the board for grocery workers,” says Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “We expect Sobeys to do as Metro and Loblaws have done and meet our members’ expectations. ”

Unifor's 10th Anniversary: Canadian Council (Halifax)

Unifor marked its 10th anniversary in 2023 and as we reach the end of the year, we look back at how far we've come and how much stronger we are now. Solidarity, and here's to the next ten years together.

Len Poirier, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer, addresses ORC 2023

Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer provides remarks to ORC 2023 delegates to discuss important campaigns to create good jobs and our union’s significant role in combating corporate greed and profiteering.

“We will not tolerate a company that prioritizes profit over people, that values division over unity, and that disregards the mental health and morale of its workforce.”

Samia Hashi, Ontario Regional Director, welcomes ORC 2023 delegates

Samia Hashi, Unifor Ontario Regional Director, shares heartfelt remarks to hundreds of delegates at ORC 2023. 

“We’ve already made a lot of history this year with consecutive bargaining wins, underdogs winning against corporate bullies and the growing power of workers across this country. And I know the next year will be even bigger and bolder.” 

Lana Payne, Unifor National President, addresses ORC 2023 delegates

Lana Payne, Unifor National President, reflects on a year of tremendous solidarity and awe-inspiring acts of worker power.

“This year we have been confronting some of the largest corporations on the planet – and we are winning.”

We’re fighting hard on every front, daringly challenging the status quo with courage, militancy, and a whole lot of love.

Advocating for Change: Ontario's Health Care Day of Action

Unifor members alongside health care workers and community activists attended the Ontario Health Coalitions Day of Action to advocate against the alarming trend of hospital service closures across the province. 

Expertech members rally to demand fair wages and job security from Bell Canada

More than 100 telecommunications members from Expertech gathered in Kingston, Ontario, on Tuesday, December 5, to demand fair wages, improved benefits, and an end to the persistent issue of contracting out at Bell Canada.

Despite the cold weather, the workers were determined to express their discontent with the lack of commitment and respect from Bell Canada. Participants marched from Confederation Park to Kingston Market Square Hotel, where collective bargaining with Bell is taking place. 

Unifor Celebrates a Decade of Global Impact with the Social Justice Fund

This year marks a significant milestone for Unifor's Social Justice Fund (SJF) as it celebrated its 10th anniversary. 

"The Unifor SJF's decade-long journey is a testament to the power of collective action and empathy,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Our support is not just about aid, it's about solidarity with communities in Canada and around the world facing crisis and hardship, reinforcing the fabric of our local and global communities with compassion and equity.”  

Unifor and SPEA move forward with merger

On Monday, December 4, 2023, representatives of the Society of Professional Engineers and Associates (SPEA) convened with Unifor representatives to move forward with the affiliated approved by members last month. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for AtkinsRéalis employees as they begin their formal affiliation with Unifor, and as Unifor welcomes 1000 new members in the nuclear energy sector. 

First Student bus drivers, mechanics, in Cornwall area ratify latest contract by 95%

TORONTO – Unifor members of First Student Bus – which provides school bus services for English and French language schools in Cornwall and Embrun, Ont. – have resoundingly ratified their new contract by 95%.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for staying strong and fighting for a good and fair deal for our members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.