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Lana Payne message to members on federal auto policy

Today, the federal government released its long-awaited auto policy, and Unifor is encouraged to see a clear focus on protecting Canada’s auto industry. Just a few months ago, there were real concerns that auto could be sidelined or even sacrificed in a rush to secure an agreement with the U.S., so having a plan on the table matters.

Federal auto policy sets right direction, but action needed to drive it home

TORONTO Unifor welcomes measures in the new federal auto policy to map the direction of industry, with the understanding that this plan must be backed by bold action to safeguard Canadian auto jobs and ensure a future for autoworkers at idled plants in both Brampton and Ingersoll. 

Canadian journalism hit again as Bell Media lays off 20 Unifor members nationwide

TORONTO— Unifor is deeply concerned by Bell Media’s announcement of layoffs impacting 20 Unifor members, who delivered quality, fact-based journalism to Canadians from coast-to-coast.

“This is a critical moment to support Canadian jobs and Canadian journalists—especially when democracy itself is under attack,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

Unifor Halifax Area Recreation Committee holds inaugural meeting

Unifor’s Halifax Area Recreation Committee met for the first time in Halifax on February 3, bringing together local leaders and members to plan and strengthen recreation opportunities for union members across the region.

“This committee plays an important role in making sure our members have opportunities to connect outside the workplace,” said Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray. “Recreation events help build solidarity, strengthen relationships, and reinforce the sense of community that defines our union.”

Transit workers begin bargaining with Coast Mountain Bus Company

VANCOUVER—Cost of living pressures and health and safety were among key issues raised today by Unifor Locals 111 and 2200 during Day 1 contract negotiations with Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC). The two union locals negotiate on a joint bargaining committee.

“Transit workers deserve improved wages, safe working conditions, and the dignity to do their jobs without constant surveillance or unrealistic scheduling pressures,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Unifor urges Ottawa to defend Canada's aerospace industry against Trump's threats

TORONTO–Unifor is calling on all levels of government to take decisive action to protect Canada’s aerospace industry amid a new escalation in the Trump Administration’s trade war with Canada that threatens to levy tariffs on and decertify Bombardier Global series aircraft and all aircraft made in Canada.

AI at Work: Union Strength and the AI Transformation

The rapid rollout of artificial intelligence (AI) is often marketed as a new and inevitable revolution. But beyond slick marketing campaigns, this digital shift is the latest chapter in a centuries-old story about how work changes, and why collective power is essential to ensuring workers have a real seat at the table to protect their jobs, skills and work environment.

GM cuts Oshawa jobs as profits, shares and dividends rise

OSHAWA–Workers at the General Motors Oshawa Assembly Complex will report for the final third shift today, as the company eliminates more than 700 direct jobs with hundreds of additional jobs lost at supply chain companies. The job cuts come in the same week GM reported more than $12 billion in pre-tax earnings for 2025, along with a plan to boost shareholders earnings through dividend increases and a $6 billion share buyback.

Unifor and Air Canada open bargaining for airport and call centre agents

TORONTO—Unifor opened collective bargaining today with Air Canada on behalf of customer service agents, who work at airports, call centres, and provide services such as customer relations and customer journey management, across the country.

“Air Canada’s customer service agents are the backbone of the passenger experience,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.

Letter to Federal, Provincial and Territorial Forum of Ministers Most Responsible for ELCC

Dear Federal, Provincial and Territorial Forum of Ministers Most Responsible for Early Learning and Child Care,

The federal, provincial and territorial investments in licensed child care since the inception of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care system in 2021 have generated significant economic activity, giving rise to major returns including an important increase in women’s labour force participation.

Black History Month statement 2026

This Black History Month, Unifor proudly honours the theme Black Resistance: Honouring contributions, advancing justice. Black history is not only about the past, but also about the courage, leadership, and resilience that continue to shape our workplaces, our communities, and our movement today.

Bell Clerical workers secure wage gains and job protections in new collective agreement

TORONTO/MONTREAL – Unifor members in the Bell Clerical bargaining units have ratified a new four-year collective agreement with Bell. The contract, effective December 1, 2025 to November 30, 2029, delivers wage increases, enhanced job protection, telework provisions, and a new oversight model to manage the impact of Artificial Intelligence in the workplace.

Unifor Statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Unifor honours the memory of the six million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust, and the millions of others targeted by the Nazi regime.

We remember the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27, 1945, a solemn reminder of the unimaginable consequences of hatred, dehumanization, and indifference.

Local 222 passes motion opposing China-owned EV imports

Members of one of the largest auto locals in the country sent a clear and united message to Prime Minister Mark Carney and the federal government, unanimously passing a motion stating that Unifor Local 222 does not support opening the door to cheap, subsidized Chinese EV imports at the expense of Canadian auto jobs.

Rally against CAQ anti-worker agenda

On November 29, more than 50,000 people took to the streets of Montreal to say no to the CAQ’s attacks and yes to workers’ rights and democracy. 

Unifor showed up strong! Over 1000 Unifor members from Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick stood shoulder to shoulder with the entire labour movement. 

While the CAQ racks up failures ,it chooses to attack unions instead of addressing the real crises facing people: housing, health care, and public education. 

Unifor concerned by Dominion store closure in St. John’s affecting 100 workers

ST. JOHN’S—Unifor is concerned following Loblaw’s decision to close a St. John’s Dominion store effective May 8, a move that will impact approximately 100 unionized grocery workers.

The affected Unifor members were informed of the closure on January 19. 

Unifor Local 597 represents more than 1,600 Dominion grocery workers at 11 stores across the province. Under their collective agreement, members have severance rights based on their seniority. 

London auto parts plant Autoneum to close by end of 2026

LONDON— Unifor has been notified that Autoneum will gradually wind down and close its London, Ontario facility over the course of 2026. The decision is a devastating blow for Unifor members, their families, and the wider London and regional economies that depend on good union jobs in the auto parts supply chain.

 

Fish food producers Northeast Nutrition’s new contract includes wage increase

Workers at Northeast Nutrition—a federally regulated feed mill in Truro, N.S., which produces fish food—has ratified a new three-year agreement at 82% with their employer.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for getting our fishery food production members in the East Coast a fair deal,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

“It was the first time at the table for several members of the bargaining committee, and they all did a tremendous job.”

The biggest gain of this contract is a wage increase over the life of the contract.

Unifor welcomes new members at Surrey’s Van Gogh Designs

The 74 workers at furniture maker Van Gogh Designs in Surrey, B.C., have voted to join Unifor to fight for better working conditions. 

“Welcome to Unifor—we’re thrilled to be in your corner,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We’re looking forward to bargaining your first collective agreement and building worker power with your solidarity.”

The new members at Local 433 work in production including sewing, cutting, cushion, upholstery, wrapping, inventory, framing, and quality checking with additional members performing duties in the office.

F.F. Soucy closure: Unifor urges urgent government intervention

Unifor is calling on the Quebec and federal governments to take immediate action to prevent irreversible damage to the F.F. Soucy mill and preserve any chance of a future restart.

RIVIÈRE-DU-LOUP — Following the bankruptcy of F.F. Soucy, Unifor is urging both levels of government to intervene without delay to ensure the mill remains heated and powered, and that skilled workers are retained to safely operate and maintain critical equipment.