All News

Telecommunications workers to rally to end outsourcing at Bell Canada

KINGSTON— Telecommunications workers from Expertech will converge in Kingston, Ontario, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, rallying against Bell's sustained efforts in job erosion through practices such as offshoring and contracting out. The unified stand calls for full-time jobs, equitable wages and benefits that keep up with the pace of inflation.

RailLine Volume 10 – Issue 15

Bargaining Update: Local 100 & Autoport LTD Enter Conciliation

Greetings,

We want to keep you informed on the latest developments in our ongoing negotiations with Autoport LTD. 

Unifor disappointed following federal government’s decision on CMMA

As the union representing thousands of workers in Canada’s aerospace industry, Unifor is hopeful the contract to replace Canada’s patrol aircraft will result in good paying aerospace jobs for Canadians, but is also disappointed with the decision of the federal government to proceed without a public request for tenders.

“Canada’s aerospace industry and its highly-skilled workforce have much to offer, and we will continue to advocate for a comprehensive industrial strategy that builds up this important sector in Quebec and Canada,” said National President Lana Payne.

Members of Unifor Quebec celebrate ten years of solidarity

From November 24 to 26, Quebec City hosted Unifor's 19th Quebec Council, a major event celebrating the organization's 10th anniversary. A celebration in itself, the council was an opportunity to reflect on a decade of struggles and achievements.

Statement for December 6, 2023

Unifor marks December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. On this day, we solemnly remember the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre when 14 women were killed on their Montreal campus, and all lives tragically lost to gender-based violence, and we recommit to the ongoing battle against this pervasive and deeply unjust violence.

PWTransit workers overwhelmingly reject employer’s latest offer

VANCOUVER – Unifor members working at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) in Comox Valley and Campbell River, B.C. have rejected the latest contract offer by 86% after the company did not close the gap to address issues of wage disparity, scheduling, and overtime language.

Members spoke out clearly at ratification meetings held Nov. 26 and voted to reject this tentative agreement.

Halifax Discovery Centre workers ratify collective agreement

Members of Local 4005 at the Discovery Centre in Halifax ratified a new collective agreement with strengthened language, a new evening shift premium, and wage increases.

“The unity among Discovery Centre workers in standing up for each other and fighting for respect from their employer is inspiring,” said Jennifer Murray, Unifor Atlantic Regional Director. “I send my congratulations to the bargaining committee for the hard work they’ve done during this challenging round of negotiations.”

Security workers at Pickering Casino join Unifor

Unifor will welcome more than 40 new members from the security department at the Pickering Casino Resort after they voted 97% in favour of joining. Local 1090 already represents workers on the casino gaming floor.

After a tragic workplace fatality among security personnel in October 2023, Local 1090’s gaming unit chairperson helped provide support and assistance.

“After an unspeakable tragedy, security workers at Pickering Casino Resort turned anger into hope and formed a union to better protect themselves at work,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.

Canadians deserve better than misinformed battery plant debate

By Lana Payne 

Originally published in the Windsor Star November 25, 2023

Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

The famous quote from American author and funny-man Mark Twain helps summarize the firestorm surrounding Windsor’s NextStar battery plant.  

What started as an innocuous social media post from, of all groups, the Windsor Police Service has become a fire-and-brimstone level debate in this country.

$19M in government funding for Crofton mill and nothing to show for it

CROFTON—The fourth consecutive curtailment at the Paper Excellence paper mill in Crofton will keep more than 100 workers laid off and the community left wondering why they have nothing to show for $19 million in public funding from two levels of government.

The new curtailment will reportedly extend to the end of February 2024.

Premier Kinew outlines ambitious pro-worker agenda in first year

WINNIPEG—Workers’ rights and fixing health care were among the top priorities outlined in the Manitoba Speech from the Throne.

The event was witnessed in person by Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle and several members who were active in the campaign to unseat former PC leader Heather Stefanson in the October 3 election.

Unifor and PWTransit reach tentative agreement in Comox Valley

COMOX—A strike at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) in Comox and Campbell River in British Columbia has been averted as the bargaining committee of Unifor Local 114 and the employer have reached a tentative agreement.

“Congratulations to our members at Local 114 in the Comox Valley for bargaining tough to achieve fairness in a region with a rapidly growing cost of living,” Lana Payne, Unifor National President. 

More details about the contract will be made available upon ratification. A vote is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 26, 2023.

Unifor reaches tentative agreement with No Frills

A tentative agreement has been reached between Unifor and No Frills.

“Our bargaining committee at No Frills was determined to build on what grocery store workers had achieved this past summer with Metro,” said Lana Payne, National President of Unifor. “This tentative agreement delivers pattern wages and many other improvements for our members.”

Proposed B.C. regulations stop short of best protections for gig workers

VANCOUVER—The proposed regulations outlined today by B.C. Labour Minister Harry Bains delivers long-overdue protections for misclassified gig workers but will stop short of giving them the full employment rights all Canadians deserve, says Unifor.

“Powerful digital platform employers have come to rely on precarious employment, and governments can and must raise the floor for gig workers,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. 

PWTransit workers file 72-hour strike notice

VANCOUVER – Unifor has submitted 72-hour strike notice to Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) placing Local 114 transit members in a legal strike position as of Sun., Nov. 19 at 8:46 a.m.

“Our union remains committed to trying to negotiate a contract that addresses the concerns and needs of the membership,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

“The decision to take job action is never taken lightly but our members cannot continue to survive on lower wages than the industry standard and will strike if necessary.” 

Unifor's Trans Day of Remembrance 2023 Statement

The Transgender Day of Remembrance, observed on November 20th, is a solemn occasion to remember and honour those who have tragically lost their lives due to ignorance and hatred, targeted solely because of their transgender or gender non-conforming identity.

World Toilet Day Statement 2023

On 2023 World Toilet Day, Unifor stands in solidarity with the global movement to address the critical issue of sanitation, emphasizing the importance of safe and inclusive washroom facilities for all, particularly for women and 2SLGBTQI+ members.