Release: CTV cuts hitting every part of Canada
As details continue to emerge about the cuts announced by CTV Bell Media last week, it is becoming increasingly clear that we are witnessing a severe reduction in the news media that Canadians rely on every day, by a company still making good profits.
News: Telecom workers happy to work from home
A membership survey conducted in the fall 2020 found that the majority of workers in teleco are happy to work from home during the pandemic.
Release: Bus drivers remain at risk as schools reopen
TORONTO – Unifor is calling for enhanced safety precautions for school bus drivers as schools reopen across Ontario in the midst of a second wave of the pandemic that is still not under control and as more infectious new variants take hold.
Resources: Unifor provides answers on vaccines
Read the Unifor Q&A on vaccines and the workplace, and watch the video as doctors and medical experts answer vaccine questions.
Release: Employer failed to provide medical masks to workers in long term care home in outbreak
As the pandemic continues to claim more lives, long-term care workers continue to face disrespect by private long-term care employers.
Release: Unifor commends Toronto City Council for supporting paid sick days
Unifor commends the Toronto City Council for passing a motion in support of paid sick days, and calls on all other municipalities to follow suit.
News: All frontline health care workers deserve Ontario Pandemic Pay
Unifor is reiterating its demand that the Ontario government allocate funds to support all frontline health care workers.
News: Unifor lobbies for aerospace recovery plan
Like so many industries, Canada’s aerospace sector is in trouble.
President’s Message: Legislating paid sick days is the right thing to do
Every day there’s a new study or argument published in newspapers or magazines, demanding paid sick leave to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Release: Unifor condemns journalism cuts at Bell Media
Unifor is condemning a round of cuts being made to CTV newsrooms across much of Bell Media this week, saying the layoffs will cost the network many valued media workers just when their communities need them most.
Release: Further travel restrictions make financial support for airline industry more urgent than ever
In light of further travel restriction measures by the Canadian government, Unifor calls on the federal government to provide immediate financial support to the industry to prevent its total collapse.
News: Flair Air expansion means more pilots return to work
There is some good news for Canada’s airline industry as Flair Air announced its plans to expand its fleet and recall pilots from furlough
Release: Canada’s Air Traffic Controllers warn Transport Committee of safety risks from tower closures and service cuts
The Canadian Air Traffic Control Association (CATCA), the union representing all air traffic controllers in the country, today will raise serious public safety concerns at the House of Commons Transport Committee about anticipated air traffic control tower closures and service reductions as a result of an ongoing NAV Canada review.
Release: Canada’s Air Traffic Controllers warn Transport Committee of safety risks from tower closures and service cuts
In light of further travel restriction measures by the Canadian government, Unifor calls on the federal government to provide immediate financial support to the industry to prevent its total collapse.
Release: Unifor demands Premier Ford use unallocated pandemic relief funds to protect workers
Unifor is reiterating demands that Premier Ford protect frontline workers, as a new report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) shows Ontario leading in unallocated pandemic relief funds and lagging in provincial share of COVID-19 spending.
Release: Unifor demands Premier Ford use unallocated pandemic relief funds to protect workers
Unifor is reiterating demands that Premier Ford protect frontline workers, as a new report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) shows Ontario leading in unallocated pandemic relief funds and lagging in provincial share of COVID-19 spending.
President’s Message: Canada needs its airlines
Canada is a big country. That is why, as a nation we are so heavily reliant on our airline industry with routes reaching every corner of the country. That is why there is so much at stake right now.
News: Watch Unifor’s presentation to Ontario’s Treasury Board, Budget 2021
What would you do when the Ontario government only gives you 3 minutes to tell them what needs to be in the 2021 budget?
Release: Aerospace workers call for industry-wide COVID-19 recovery plan
TORONTO—Today, Unifor’s Aerospace Industry Council released a new policy paper urging the federal government to immediately implement a substantial recovery plan for the sector in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic’s devastating economic effects.
Release: Aerospace workers call for industry-wide COVID-19 recovery plan
TORONTO—Today, Unifor’s Aerospace Industry Council released a new policy paper urging the federal government to immediately implement a substantial recovery plan for the sector in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic’s devastating economic effects.
News: Vigil held for COVID heroes
Unifor members from across Canada gathered online Thursday to honour workers who have died in the pandemic, including three from Unifor.
Petition: Ontario workers need paid sick days now
The lack of paid sick days for all workers in Ontario persists as a stain on our society, and is leaving too many at risk from COVID-19 and other contagious illnesses.
News: How to get the most out of online video meetings
COVID-19 has changed how we meet, bargain and do the work of the union and there are many ways to improve how we communicate online.
Release: Porter Airlines targets laid-off workers in an effort to reduce costs
Porter Airlines is using the pandemic as an excuse to stop paying workers using the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and terminating health care coverage for its furloughed workers.
Release: Suspension of regional flights serves devastating blow to local communities’
TORONTO – Air Canada's decision to suspend Jazz flights to Yellowknife, Kamloops, Gander and Goose Bay regional airports is one more blow to remote communities already suffering from the current crisis in the airlines industry.
Release: Lack of federal government aviation plan contributes to new Air Canada layoffs
Unifor believes the recently announced workforce reductions at Air Canada could have been lessened if the federal government had developed a plan to support Canada's aviation industry.
Event: Online vigil for COVID Heroes
Join us to honour the COVID Heroes lost to this pandemic on January 21.
Release: Canada’s airline workers continue to be devastated by lack of direct financial aid to sector
Unifor, ACPA, ALPA and CALDA continue to call on the federal government to make a direct and meaningful financial contribution to our devastated industry, commensurate with the contribution made by other countries to their own sector.
New Build Back Better website
In 2021, let’s all resolve to Build Back Better. Revisit Unifor’s plan to rebuild Canada’s economy.
Update: News Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) Fact Sheet
Unifor has updated its Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) Fact Sheet
News: Winnipeg Free Press collective agreements ratified
Journalists and inside workers at the Winnipeg Free Press are seeing their pay restored after taking pay cuts early in the pandemic.
Release: Unifor mourns Sheila Yakovishin, PSW in Windsor LTC home, lost to COVID-19
WINDSOR – Unifor, its Local 2458, and the wider Windsor community began the New Year in mourning of health care worker and fellow union member Sheila Yakovishin, 60.
Release: Airline industry needs additional financial support given new COVID-19 tests requirement
TORONTO – Unifor renews demands on the federal government to provide financial support for the airline industry as the industry prepares for all international travelers to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test on arrival.
Release: Unifor calls on provincial government to assume control of Windsor-area long-term care home
WINDSOR— Staffing levels at The Village of St. Clair are below crisis levels and action is demanded from the provincial government, says Unifor.
Statement: Migrants Day Statement
The issues facing migrants around the world are now posed in new and dangerous ways by the COVID-19 pandemic which has disrupted migration patterns and locked down migrants working as front line service and care providers.
Message: Season's Greetings from Unifor's Leadership
Greetings Unifor Family: This has been a year of profound and historic challenges, but also inspiring solidarity.
Release: Sobeys Kincardine workers achieve wage and benefit gains in new contract
Sobeys grocery store workers in Kincardine, Ontario have voted to ratify a new collective agreement that achieves gains, including wage increases, schedule improvements, and benefit gains.
Release: Ontario long-term care staffing timeline lacks urgency
Unifor welcomes the Ontario government's long-term care staffing plan to establish an average of four hours of direct care for long-term care residents but remains concerned on its implementation timeline.
Release: Lack of PPE for health workers contributes to outbreak at Windsor long-term care home
A lack of access to PPEs at The Village at St. Clair, a long-term care facility, has contributed to an outbreak of COVID-19 cases.
News: Social Justice Fund doubles shelter donations
Unifor’s Social Justice fund has doubled its donations to women’s shelters across Canada this year, as the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns put more...
Letter to the Prime Minister on vaccine distribution
Unifor wrote to the Prime Minister to emphasize the need for an orderly vaccination program, effectively coordinated with provincial and municipal health authorities, and administered by public bodies rather than private pharmacies or clinics.
News: Unifor boosts donations to food banks
The Social Justice Fund donated at total of $270,000 to 48 food banks across Canada.
News: Unifor contributes to B.C. tourism recovery
Appointees to the B.C. Tourism Task Force delivered their final report to the provincial government on December 9.
News: Ontario Regional Council supports food banks and women’s shelters
As COVID-19 increases the need for aid, the Unifor Ontario Regional Council is contributing $80,000 to 14 food banks and women’s shelters across
News: Six recipients of the Bud Jimmerfield Award
Unifor is awarding the Bud Jimmerfield Award to six activists across the country.
News: Workplace medical review panels under attack in Alberta
The third in a series of factsheets about Alberta Bill 47 deals with the insidious changes proposed by Premier Jason Kenney to medical review panels..
Release: Health care workers to hold rally to demand a fair collective agreement
Health care workers represented by Unifor Local 2458 will escalate actions by holding a rally outside of Fairfield Park long term care home to demand a fair and equitable collective.
Release: Ontario Auditor General finds glaring shortcomings in retirement homes
The Ontario Auditor General's annual report finds blatant disregard for residents and staff in the retirement home sector.
News: Sobeys negotiations approach strike deadline
Negotiations for Sobeys members in Kincardine, Ontario are approaching a strike deadline of 12:01 a.m. on December 13, 2020.
News: Jason Kenney begins dismantling joint health and safety committees
Unifor has published the second in a series of factsheets about the dangerous Alberta Bill 47 introduced last month.
Release: Canadian Air Traffic Controllers Speak Out Against Layoff and Service Reduction
Over the past three months, NAV Canada has announced their intention to close seven air traffic control towers and reduce the level of service at their respective airports. Additionally, NAV Canada has served the Union notice of their intent to further reduce the air traffic control workforce outside these units.
Release: Health care workers rally for a fair collective agreement at Brouillette Manor
Health care workers at Brouillette Manor held a rally outside the facility demanding a fair and equitable collective agreement after contract negotiations came to a standstill.
Release: Canada’s fiscal update fails to support all airline workers
OTTAWA – Airline workers remain in the dark following yesterday’s financial update, wondering when the government plans to establish a national aviation recovery strategy.
Release: Canada’s fiscal update points toward future economic recovery, but workers need additional support today
OTTAWA – Unifor applauds steps taken in today’s fiscal update that seek to start the COVID-19 economic recovery, and build back better.
Release: Unifor calls for additional transit security to enforce mask requirement
VANCOUVER – As British Columbia’s largest transit worker union, Unifor is calling for additional transit security resources to enforce COVID-19 mask requirements.
News: Member education push begins in Alberta
During a videoconference earlier this month, a wide cross-section of Unifor members in Alberta strategized about the relentless attack by premier...
News: World Toilet Day highlights access issues for transportation workers
In recognition of World Toilet Day, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is highlighting the need for safe access to washroom
News: Brutal lockout by Gate Gourmet as employer throws workers into the street
Employees of Gate Gourmet were shocked last week when their employer interrupted their lunch break to tell them to take their personal effects and....
News: Ontario area meetings go digital
Family events, bargaining tables, and even workouts have moved online in 2020. This past week, Unifor’s Ontario Area Meetings made the shift,
Release: Unifor helps bust common myths about government finances
Unifor has published a new tool for working people to make sense of the government spending undertaken to prop up the economy and keep Canadians working. Myth-busting government debt: How deficits and spending foster growth discusses common myths about government spending and explains how government finances should be understood.
News: Jason Kenney strips workers of health and safety protections
Premier Jason Kenney tabled yet another attack on Alberta’s workers on November 5 through sweeping changes to the province’s health and safety laws.
Update: EI and work sharing
Work Sharing is a federal program funded by unemployment insurance to assist employers and workers to avoid temporary layoffs when there is an unusual slowdown in production or service. Read the Unifor factsheet to find out more.
Release: Ontario budget sets an underwhelming path to economic recovery, leaves workers with questions
The Ontario budget begins to set the course for economic recovery, but Ontario workers must maintain pressure for a fair and equitable vision.
Release: Ontario budget sets an underwhelming path to economic recovery, leaves workers with questions
The Ontario budget begins to set the course for economic recovery, but Ontario workers must maintain pressure for a fair and equitable vision.
Release: Years of lobbying pays off for long-term care workers as Ontario finally commits to four hours of care
The Ontario government announced today to finally do what Unifor members and long-term care workers have demanded for years, to establish an average of four hours of direct care for long-term care residents by 2024-2025.
Video: Airport workers rally
Airport workers rally to push for government support for the aviation industry during the pandemic and for workers to be able to maintain their skills and qualifications.
Release: Unifor and long-term care workers thrilled to see the Ontario Time to Care Act unanimously passed
Members of Ontario's provincial parliament unanimously passed second reading of Bill 13, the Time to Care Act. NDP MPP and Long-term care and home care critic Teresa Armstrong introduced the Bill 13 Ontario Long Term Care Act to establish a four-hour minimum of care in long-term care homes.
Report: A National Aviation Recovery Plan for Canada's Aviation Industry
Canada needs to think nationally and strategically for our transportation sector to emerge from the COVID-19 era able to compete and contribute globally.
Release: Unifor and long-term care workers thrilled to see the Ontario Time to Care Act unanimously passed
Today, members of Ontario's provincial parliament unanimously passed second reading of Bill 13, the Time to Care Act.
Update: CEWS factsheet
Unifor has updated it Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) factsheet to reflect the latest changes to the program.
President’s Message: We need to be ready when the aviation industry comes back
The aviation industry will come back. People will travel again, for business, for pleasure, to see family or to new job opportunities in another city or even another country. This is well understood by all levels of government. The first thing, of course, is to make sure that the industry has what it needs to reopen. There is a growing consensus that ensuring Canada has an aviation industry in the future will require the federal government playing a greater role.
Release: Long-term care unions urge government to listen to experts on minimum care standards
CUPE Ontario, SEIU Healthcare and Unifor held a joint press conference on Tuesday morning, calling on the Ontario government to legislate a minimum care standard of four hours of hands-on care in long-term care homes by immediately passing Bill 13, the Time to Care Act.
Release: Health care unions welcome recommendation to institute a four-hour care standard
Ontario’s Long-Term COVID-19 Commission released an interim report today, calling on the government to implement a minimum daily care standard of four hours of hands-on care per resident.
Release: Rapid testing at Calgary airport first of many steps in saving aviation industry
Unifor welcomes the Federal Government's announcement to provide the option of rapid COVID-19 tests for international air passengers.
Release: Rapid testing at Calgary airport first of many steps in saving aviation industry
Unifor welcomes the Federal Government's announcement to provide the option of rapid COVID-19 tests for international air passengers.
Restarting the Economy: What media workers need to know
The media sector faced a number of significant challenges before the COVID-19 crisis struck, including the loss of advertising revenue to digital giants like Facebook and Google, cutbacks and closures of local and regional news outlets, the rise of “fake news” and resultant erosion of quality journalism, and massive loss of employment.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL DOCUMENT HERE
Release: Rapid COVID-19 test approval welcomed by aviation workers
Health Canada’s approval of the use of rapid testing kits presents an opportunity to accelerate economic recovery and a safe return to travel, says Unifor.
Release: Donate to your local food bank
This has been a particularly difficult year for many Canadians. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit every household in some way. Jobs have been lost, or changed significantly. Loved ones have become sick. We all worry.
READ THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE HERE
Release: Health care unions welcome significantly improved COVID-19 protections
Unifor welcomes Directive #5 providing clear guidance that N-95 or superior protection masks, face shields and other equipment are to be provided to health care staff working on the front line in long-term care facilities or hospitals dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks, among other improvements.
READ THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE HERE
Release: Union leaders call on the government for urgent financial support for the aviation sector
Canadian union leaders representing more than 310,000 Canadian workers are calling on the Trudeau government to take urgent, concrete steps to prevent permanent, long-lasting damage to the aviation sector by providing direct support.
Release: Transcontinental abandons Manitoba workers during pandemic
Unifor appreciates the recognition of personal support workers in the temporary wage enhancement but demands the Ontario government not exclude all other frontline workers.
READ THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE HERE
Release: Unifor welcomes economic and social pandemic support in Throne Speech
Unifor welcomes the economic and social pandemic support policies outlined by the federal government in today’s Throne Speech.
READ THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE HERE
President’s Message: Through this pandemic, workers will exercise their power
The COVID-19 crisis has exposed many hard-truths about the state of Canada’s economy in 2020. The incompetence of our private sector in long-term care homes, for one. The lack of manufacturing capacity to produce critical goods when we need them, another. Generally unhelpful income security programs. The list goes on. But there’s a deep fault line in this crisis that runs straight through the world of work.
Jerry Dias: Through this pandemic, workers will exercise their power
This crisis has shone a public spotlight on one of the most troubling truths about our economy that requires careful reflection this Labour Day: the relentless devaluation of work. As usual, if decision-makers are not going to step up and bring the change that is needed, working people are going to take this fight into our own hands.
READ THE FULL COLUMN HERE
Release: Ford government attempting to use pandemic to privatize and cut public transit services
Unifor is calling on the Ontario government to immediately drop conditions contained in its Federal-Provincial Safe Restart Agreement that include municipal public transit privatization and service reduction measures.
READ THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE HERE
Release: Grim report predicts closures of radio and TV stations due to COVID recession
An expert report released today by the Canadian Association of Broadcasters paints a grim future for Canadian democracy, predicting more newsrooms to close as broadcasters bleed revenue to foreign giants such as Facebook, Netflix and Google.
READ THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE HERE
Release: Ontario school bus drivers call for standardized COVID-19 safety protocols
Unifor school bus driver members are calling on the Ontario government to implement standardized COVID-19 safety protocols in order to protect both themselves and the students onboard.
READ THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE HERE
Release: New collective agreement negotiated with Carpenter Canada amid COVID-19
A new collective agreement has been negotiated between Unifor Local 252 and Carpenter Canada amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
READ THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE HERE
Release: Women journalists experience increased gender inequality during pandemic
Women journalists are reporting an increase in gender inequality during the COVID-19 pandemic, as more than half say they have personally experienced an escalation in a new International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) survey released today.
READ THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE HERE
Campaign launch: #BuildBackBetter with an accessible income security system
Unifor launches the Build Back Better campaign with a digital media conference on Facebook with Unifor National President Jerry Dias and Unifor members from across the country present the plan.
FIND OUT MORE HERE
Release: Unifor welcomes Northwood COVID-19 government review
Unifor welcomes the announcement by Nova Scotia’s Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey of a review of the COVID-19 outbreak at Northwood’s Halifax campus.
READ THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE HERE
Release: Grocers wrong to cut pandemic pay
Unifor opposes the decision by Canada’s leading grocery chains to end pandemic pay for their workers at retail outlets across Canada.
Restarting the Economy: What warehousing and logistics workers need to know
Warehousing and logistics play a critical role in the supply chain, ensuring essential goods and supplies make it to businesses, front-line organizations and into people’s homes. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant challenges in ensuring there are little to no disruptions.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL DOCUMENT HERE
Open Letter: To Sarah Davis, President of Loblaw Companies Limited, on removal of pandemic pay for frontline workers
Dear Ms. Davis,
I am writing to share my concerns about your memo to Loblaw employees, including thousands of Unifor members, on June 12.
Let me begin by saying that I am astounded by your expression of shock, dismay and disappointment regarding the negative attention Loblaw received in recent days, after ending its essential pay premium program for employees.
Release: Loblaws wrong to cut pandemic pay
Unifor opposes the decision by Loblaw Companies Ltd. to end pandemic pay for workers at its retail outlets across Canada.
Restarting the Economy: What food and beverage transport need to know
Food and beverage processing workers across Canada have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 1,400 confirmed COVID-19 cases thus far. Meat processing plants have been hit particularly hard, with a number of outbreaks occurring in Alberta and Quebec that have led to numerous deaths. Governments must use the reopening of the economy as an opportunity to ensure that food and beverage processing plants are safe and that workers are protected from COVID-19 through rigorous health and safety protocols.
Restarting the Economy: What manufacturing workers need to know
More than 300,000 manufacturing workers lost their jobs or were put on temporary leave between February and April 2020. Most of these workers were put on leave due to pandemic related restrictions and many expect to return to their jobs once the pandemic subsides.
Restarting the Economy: What forestry workers need to know
The forestry sector faced a number of significant challenges before the COVID-19 crisis struck, including the ongoing softwood lumber dispute, sagging pulp prices, and damage caused by insect infestations. The economic collapse that followed the pandemic has stalled construction, and many forestry companies (especially small and mid-sized ones) are struggling with liquidity as demand for their products has fallen off.
Restarting the Economy: What road passenger transport and urban transit workers need to know
Across the country, road passenger transport and urban transit services have taken a significant hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. School closures have all but suspended school transportation services; domestic and international travel restrictions have decreased airport limousine services and intercity and provincial bus service; and wide-scale business closures and calls to stay home have resulted in significant drops in taxi and public transit ridership.
Open Letter: To Premier Ford regarding ineligibility of Pandemic Pay to many healthcare workers
Dear Premier Ford,
In previous correspondences to you, Unifor recognized the importance of the $4 per hour “pandemic pay premium” that is being provided for front-line workers during this crisis. We certainly agree that these workers deserve the extra compensation given their roles in this crisis, their hard work, the health risks that they face while on the job and the need to self-isolate from their families to protect them. Unifor demands that pandemic pay be extended to these critical workers
Campaign Launch: Pandemic Pay for Unifor Health Care Workers
Since Pandemic pay was announced on April 25, 2020, there has been confusion about who is actually covered. Unifor was the first union in Ontario to make a public demand for Pandemic Pay on April 17, launching a video and an online petition. Our position has clearly been that any worker who is subject to the Emergency Orders should receive this pay.
Memo: Social Services Updates
Memo to Unifor members working in agencies providing violence against women residential services
This week, the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services issued a temporary order in the fight against COVID-19 that affects staff at Women’s Shelters and working in Crisis Line services.
The temporary order allows agencies in this sector to take steps to respond to, prevent and alleviate the outbreak of coronavirus and COVID-19 by carrying out measures such as:
Open Letter: Keeping you informed through the crisis
On March 11, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Just one month later, we’re still in the midst of what will surely be remembered as the biggest health, social and economic crisis of our time.
As we write to you with some updates from the union, we cannot help but think of the thousands of health care workers reporting to work every day. Our members, and health care workers across the country, are facing conditions that worsen by the day. They must contend with dwindling access to personal protective equipment, and yet they support the people who need them most every day. They, along with workers in the retail, transit, telecommunications, media and many other sectors, are the true heroes that will help us pull through this pandemic.
Release: NS Health Care Workers Need Assurances on Safety Equipment
Five unions representing health care workers providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic are calling on government and employers to sign onto a safety protocol that would ensure these frontline workers feel protected and supported during this unprecedented time.
The NSGEU, NSNU, CUPE, Unifor and IUOE jointly agreed to this protocol, which is similar to protocols that have recently been adopted by the provincial government and employers in Alberta and Ontario. On Monday, the protocol was sent to Premier Stephen McNeil, Health & Wellness Minister Randy Delorey, Chief Medical Officer Robert Strang, as well as Dr. Brendan Carr at the NSHA and Dr. Krista Jangaard at the IWK.
Make a plan: Reach out to the people you care about.
Chances are, you or someone you know is struggling with increased anxiety, elevated symptoms of depression or is struggling with an addiction. It’s hard to know how to be supportive at the best of times, and isolation and quarantine create an added level of difficulty in supporting people you care about.
Reaching out to those experiencing mental illness during this time is as important as ever.
Check in with your friends, family, and colleagues and talk about mental health. Talk about the plans you might put in place to manage loneliness and how you’ll cope with this sudden way-of-life shift because of COVID-19. Make a plan to check in regularly and support each other through this crisis.
Release: Unifor commends Trudeau government for moving on more significant wage replacement plan
TORONTO – Following weeks of piecemeal announcements, Unifor commends the federal government for expanding eligibility of a 75 per cent wage subsidy to include large and small employers in Canada.
“We have said from day one that no worker should be forced to bear the economic cost of flattening the curve alone. We are completely united as a country in the efforts to slow this virus, and that must include taking care of workers who have lost their income or facing layoff,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.
Revised: COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 is a pandemic illness. Public health agencies are monitoring the outbreak of this illness
and providing public health and infection control guidance. That guidance is evolving rapidly. In
the meantime, many workplace issues are developing about COVID-19. FAQ revised on March 25 to reflect recent government announcements.
Release: Employers sabotage worker access to EI benefits, Great Canadian Casino workers speak out
TORONTO – Unifor calls on all employers to adhere to Service Canada’s demand that COVID-19 related work shortages be coded appropriately, instead of blocking workers’ access to EI.
“Some employers are sabotaging workers’ access to EI benefits and it has to stop,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Workers from across Canada are being delayed access to EI benefits because employers are miscoding Records of Employment.”
Ford must re-invest $1 billion in health care to fight COVID-19
TORONTO—Unifor is urging the Government of Ontario to strengthen its COVID-19 strategy, restore $1 billion in health spending and adopt a series of policies to protect the health and economic security of Ontarians in advance of tomorrow’s economic update.
“By all estimations, the pandemic will get worse before it gets better. We need the Ontario government to abandon its piecemeal approach to this crisis,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Doug Ford’s slow-moving approach to this crisis will bring a whole host of economic perils for Ontarians that his government has not begun to address.”
Media must be included in COVID-19 emergency plan: Unifor
TORONTO – Unifor is calling on the federal government to ensure that Canadian media organizations survive the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to provide vital information to the public.
“Almost every Canadian newspaper and television news outlet was teetering on the brink before the pandemic hit,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. “Our media companies are experiencing unprecedented dips in advertising revenues, resulting in catastrophic losses.”
Release: Unifor leading call for retail worker protections and wage premiums
TORONTO – Unifor calls on all retailers to match wage premiums and enhanced health and safety protocols in recognition of front-line service workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We recognize the tremendous risk workers are taking and thank them for their dedication during these unprecedented times,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Unifor continues to call on retailers to recognize the importance of their front-line workers and to compensate them fairly during the crisis.”
Release: Unifor watching closely as Ontario hospitals given emergency powers
TORONTO— Unifor health care members understand the need for the Ontario government’s temporary order giving hospitals extraordinary emergency powers to prevent the spread of COVID-19 but the union cautions employers not to exert unnecessary force, and show respect for front-line workers while enacting the order.
“Unifor recognizes that this is not business as usual but we will be watching closely how hospitals use these special powers to manage this pandemic,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Health care workers understand the motive and goals of this temporary order. However, let me be crystal clear, we will monitor every workplace change and will not allow employers to abuse their powers with this order to cut front-line health workers or infringe upon workers’ rights.”
Release: Every worker must be paid fairly, says Unifor on federal COVID-19 response
TORONTO – The continued rapid spread of COVID-19 disease calls for a more drastic response from government, says Unifor, which has outlined a package of urgent recommendations designed to make income assistance more accessible, and bring more money to workers in need.
“The significant policy package announced yesterday shows that the Government of Canada understands the seriousness of the crisis, but there are still some workers who will fall between the cracks of the EI system,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.
Revised: COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 is a pandemic illness. Public health agencies are monitoring the outbreak of this illness
and providing public health and infection control guidance. That guidance is evolving rapidly. In
the meantime, many workplace issues are developing about COVID-19. FAQ revised on March 19 to reflect recent government announcements.
Update: Unifor is fighting to protect workers from COVID-19
We are living in unprecedented times. The window to flatten the curve is closing fast, and so is the opportunity to minimize the economic fallout of a pandemic. COVID-19 has created an uncertain and challenging situation for all working people, including Unifor members across Canada.
In hospitality and gaming, education, retail, airlines and more, we are facing mass layoffs. Health care workers, already pushed to the breaking point, are preparing to bravely treat patients of this pandemic, and prevent further spread in long-term care homes. In many sectors, including transportation and telecommunications, in grocery stores and pharmacies, vital work continues and workers need protection.
Letter: Unifor Regional Directors’ letter to Premiers regarding the COVID-19 pandemic
To all Premiers across Canada,
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis without precedent and requires unprecedented cooperation and action from all levels of government to adequately protect the health and safety of everyone in Canada.
Time is of the essence. Alongside urgent efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus, workers are not only concerned for their health but are bracing for massive economic disruption, from reduced work hours to cancelled shifts to layoffs. Governments appear to grasp the extent of this crisis, and some have taken important first steps to support workers and their families, while others have been slow to act. There can be no delay. Action is needed now.
Letter: COVID-19 Resources for Local Unions
To Local Union Presidents,
In the past five days, the situation regarding COVID-19 had moved quickly and created an unprecedented situation for many working people and Unifor members in Canada.
Unifor has adopted an all hands on deck approach to supporting members during these challenging and uncertain times. We have worked every day to answer questions, communicate with employers, and call on governments to flatten the curve and respect working people in this time of crisis.
President’s Message: In the midst of pandemic, bold action is required
By Jerry Dias
We are living in unprecedented times.
The Covid-19 pandemic exposes the strengths and weaknesses of public health systems around the world. The necessary responses to that pandemic are testing broader social safety nets, many of which have been damaged by years of austerity. As many economies fall into likely recession, governments are demonstrating their capacity, or lack thereof, to respond to this tremendous challenge.
Update: COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 is a pandemic illness. Public health agencies are monitoring the outbreak of this illness
and providing public health and infection control guidance. That guidance is evolving rapidly. In
the meantime, many workplace issues are developing about COVID-19.
Update: Health care member memo
Unifor makes worker safety a top priority and as such is calling on the federal and provincial governments to dedicate resources to the protection of all health care workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In particular, the union is advising governments to uphold the precautionary principle when it comes to providing personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers. As outlined by Justice Campbell following the SARS crisis in 2003, the precautionary principle says that in the absence of scientific certainty on how an illness is spread, we must err on the side of caution and protect workers.
Update: Hospitality and Gaming Council update
Greetings,
Unifor Hospitality and Gaming Council calls on industry, government to work together to address looming COVID-19 crisis
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, it is critical that workers in Canada’s hospitality and gaming sector receive adequate information, guidance, and support from our industry, employers, governments, and public health officials. Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the hospitality and gaming sector with 20,000 members across the country, and as such, we believe it is important for Unifor’s Hospitality and Gaming Council to comment on the impact of COVID-19 on our industry and the measures we can take to reduce the risk for workers and the travelling public.
Update: NS joint union statement on protection for health care workers
Yesterday, March 12, representatives from the NSGEU, NSNU, CUPE and Unifor met with officials from government, the Nova Scotia Health Authority, infection control specialists, and the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Robert Strang.
At this meeting, we called on the Nova Scotia government to uphold the precautionary principle when it comes to providing personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers.
Letter: COVID-19 Update to Locals
Release: Do's and Don'ts for employers during COVID-19 pandemic
TORONTO – Unifor is urging employers across every sector of the Canadian economy to protect workers from COVID-19 exposure and assist in slowing the spread of the pandemic to ease the impact on the health care system.
“We’re asking employers to implement systems and policies to protect all Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Don’t require sick notes from workers, waive waiting periods for sick leave under collective agreements, and realize there may be legitimate absentee issues due to school closures. These steps are vital to protecting Canadians and minimizing hardship on workers and their families.”
Release: Unifor urges Ottawa to proactively protect workers from COVID-19 virus
Toronto - Unifor is calling on Ottawa to take immediate steps to protect workers as COVID-19 spreads around the globe.
“Emergency supports are needed now for all workers in workplaces affected by COVID-19, to protect their health and provide job stability and income assistance in the event of shift reductions or layoffs,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.