International Women’s Day began because of union action by a determined group of women standing up for their rights at work more than a century ago. Unifor continues that tradition every day through solidarity, education, collective bargaining and political action that builds equity in workplaces and in communities.
But on March 8, we took a moment to gather, celebrate these achievements, and sometimes even squeeze in brunch!
Celebrate with us and see the faces of the women leading the change toward equity across Unifor workplaces.
Unifor Local 103 members working at Ontario Northland Transportation Commission ratify tentative agreement.
"This ratified agreement shows what a strong and united membership can accomplish at the bargaining table," said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. "Congratulations to the bargaining committee and to every Local 103 member for their dedication in achieving such a great collective agreement."
Unifor welcomes 69 new members working at Concorde Airport Services in the Calgary International Airport, who voted almost 85% in favour of joining the union.
“We are thrilled these aviation workers have exercised their right to join a union, and have chosen Unifor,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“Democracy at work starts with having a say in your working conditions.”
The certification for this unit took place March 8, 2024, and is assigned to Unifor Local 4050.
VICTORIA—Rank-and-file forestry workers, union leaders, policymakers, and researchers gathered to hash out solutions to the crisis facing British Columbia’s forestry industry during a policy summit on March 12 in Victoria.
The summit, jointly hosted by Unifor, the United Steelworkers union (USW), and the Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC), was an unprecedented gathering of workers who have experienced firsthand the many mill closures and related job losses in an industry that was once world-renowned.
Unifor Local 2000A members have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year agreement with their employer, Zayo, an American telecommunications company headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. The agreement, reached after rigorous negotiations, marks a significant milestone as they achieved the largest wage gains in nearly 50 years.
ST. JOHN’S –Unifor is deeply concerned after Atlantic newspaper owner SaltWire Network Inc. filed for creditor protection yesterday. In addition, a private equity fund has alleged the company owes it roughly $33 million after years of mismanagement out of its $94 million total debt load.
VICTORIA, B.C. – While communities across the province are grappling with the aftermath of mill closures, fibre supply shortages, issues related to old growth, and more, B.C.’s three major forestry unions are joining together to hold an unprecedented summit on Tuesday in Victoria.
NORTH BAY – Unifor Local 103 representing workers at Ontario Northland have reached a tentative agreement.
"Entering negotiations, we had one goal in mind: to negotiate an agreement that shows the true value of our members, and we believe this tentative agreement does exactly that," said Jeremy Rodgers, President of Unifor Local 103. "We would not have been able to negotiate this agreement without the solidarity and support of our membership."
Unifor Local 27 members have ratified a new three-year agreement with their manufacturing employer, Masco Canada in St. Thomas, Ont. on March 5.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for their dedicated hard work negotiating a fair contract for our manufacturing members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Every step towards making a workplace more inclusive is a move in the right direction.”
As we approach the strike deadline on March 12, at 12:01 a.m., we want to update you on our efforts to secure a fair deal.
Bargaining began last summer, focusing on improving benefits and wages, with the company showing willingness to enhance the package, pending approval from the Ontario Treasury Board. However, to date, we have yet to secure an agreement that truly reflects the value our members bring to Ontario Northland.
NORTH BAY - Workers at Ontario Northland are heading towards a strike deadline with a strong mandate for action, echoing a commitment to secure a fair collective agreement.
“Despite the challenges, our members have remained steadfast, demonstrating their resilience and determination to fight for what is just,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “It’s disheartening to see the disparity between the treatment of our hardworking members and the executive level’s payout.”
Unifor has launched its new “Shame on Bell” campaign today in response to the telecommunications and media giant’s callous decision last month to slash 4,800 jobs, including 800 of our members in telco and media.
“We promised Bell a fight and they are going to get one,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Our union is not standing by idly while this company hands out pink slips, while profiting billions. Workers who have helped grow this company from the ground up are not disposable.”
Unifor is actively campaigning to ensure Canada’s efforts to mitigate methane emissions along Canada’s natural gas infrastructure relies on good union jobs.
On February 20, Unifor National President Lana Payne wrote to federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson to detail recommendations for reducing methane leaks across the natural gas supply chain. The letter augments a written submission to the federal government’s regulatory body earlier in 2024.
More than 50 workers at Cancarb in Medicine Hat have joined Unifor after a certification vote on February 26 and 27, 2024. They will join the amalgamated Unifor Local 4050.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cancarb workers to Unifor,” said Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle. “We’re going to get to work right away on a contract to secure compensation and improve working conditions.”
WINDSOR – The 317 members of Unifor Local 195 employed by Jamieson have ratified a new collective agreement, ending a 34-day strike.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for holding steady during some difficult negotiations and fighting for a contract their members could support,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“As well, my sincere thanks to our members and their families, for showing up on the picket line, day in and day out, remaining strong in your resolve and solidarity.”
In the heart of Thunder Bay, hospital workers represented by Unifor, SEIU and CUPE rallied to demand the Ontario Hospital Association negotiate a collective agreement that ensures healthcare workers are compensated fairly for their tireless efforts, especially in the challenging times of recent years.
We write to you regarding a new labour dispute involving 239 Unifor members in Nova Scotia.
Less than eight hours into the Unifor Local 100 strike at Autoport in Eastern Passage, the employer, CN Rail, brought in scabs. Our union can only interpret this as a blatant attempt by CN Rail to disrupt the legal strike and undermine our members’ constitutional right to bargain and reach a fair collective agreement.
OTTAWA - Unifor welcomes the federal government's tabling of new pharmacare legislation that lays the groundwork towards the realization of a universal pharmacare program in Canada.
"Today’s historic victory is important for many reasons and especially during these challenging
Unifor condemns the arrest of journalist Brandi Morin, calling on authorities to drop all charges as she heads into her next court date on March 1, 2024.
Morin, an award-winning journalist and author, was arrested Jan. 10, 2024, while covering people living in an encampment as the Edmonton police cleared the under-housed people out.
She was arrested for not sticking to the exclusion zone police had set up for reporters.
Unifor Local 1859 members at THK Rhythm have voted to ratify a new collective agreement that includes general wage increases, a special inflation wage adjustment, new cost-of-living-adjustments (COLA), the reduction of wage progressions and the elimination of health and welfare benefit tiers.
Unifor represents approximately 233 members at the auto parts manufacturer, located in Tillsonburg, Ontario.
Unifor members at Local 542 have unanimously voted in favour of a new three-year agreement with their manufacturing employer, Euramax, in Barrie, Ont.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for negotiating a strong contract that our manufacturing members could easily get behind,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “These are wins that should be celebrated.”
Euramax Canada manufactures aluminum eavestroughs, steel, vinyl and copper products, including roof drainage systems.
Wage increases and pension gains are highlights of a new three-year contract ratified this week by members of Unifor Local 914.
“These were tough negotiations during a turbulent period for the company. The bargaining committee successfully struck a balance between achieving gains for the short term and stability for the future,” said Tom Rinker, Unifor Local 914 President.
Unifor Local 222 members at Android Industries LLC voted 93% in favour of a new three-year collective agreement that delivers significant wage increases and benefit and pension improvements for auto parts workers at the Oshawa facility.
Workers shared stories of struggle, communities coming together to lend a hand, and our collective resolve to fight like never before to change the world.
During a time when conflict and division have grown, and the wealth gap widens and deepens, worker solidarity vividly shines through.
Watch our ORC 2023 recap video to see key moments from this powerful gathering.
