All News

Unifor supports Canadian Creative Industries Code of Conduct

March 12, 2018

Dear David:

Unifor is pleased to support the work of the Canadian Creative Industries Code of Conduct to Prevent and Respond to Harassment, Discrimination, Bullying and Violence. We applaud the collaboration and leadership shown by ACTRA and others including our local Nabet 700M to create this new Code.

Unifor supports all efforts to create safe and respectful workplaces free of harassment including sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying and violence.

Pallister budget gets failing grade from Unifor

March 12, 2018

WINNIPEG—The 2018 Manitoba budget fails to address some of the province’s most urgent problems, especially in the north, says Unifor.

“Premier Brian Pallister is failing Manitoba’s most vulnerable,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “There is a stunning indifference to the struggles of Manitobans who are falling farther and farther behind.”

Unifor submission to Ontario student transportation review

On behalf of school bus drivers Unifor continues to lobby the government to address the precariousness and poor working conditions that are rampant in the industry. As part of Ontario’s review of the student transportation system the union has submitted its concerns and recommendations in “A New Vision for Student Transportation”.  Read the full submission here

Tariff exclusion a stay of execution: Unifor

March 8, 2018
TORONTO – Unifor says the exclusion of tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum exports to the U.S. is simply a stay of execution.“This isn’t a victory, it’s a threat,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. “The U.S. is now holding tariffs over Canada’s head at the NAFTA table ahead of the next round, which uncoincidentally will take place in Washington.”

Unifor members gather to lobby B.C. government

March 6, 2018

VICTORIA—Unifor activists will present policy proposals on workplace health and safety reforms, economic security for women, and progressive labour law amendments during meetings this week in Victoria.

“Last spring, British Columbians voted for change. There is no time to waste when it comes to making workplaces safer and restoring workers’ basic rights,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.

Trump holds Canadian steel and aluminum as NAFTA hostage

MEXICO CITY –Unifor, Canada’s largest union in the private sector, says that President Trump has made it clear that Canada’s steel and aluminum industries are being held hostage to extort a NAFTA deal.

“Trump plainly stated that tariffs will only come off if Canada signs a NAFTA agreement to his liking,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. “The question now is whether the Canadian government is going to submit to trade blackmail.”

Without tariff exemption Canada must withdraw from NAFTA: Unifor

March 2, 2018 

TORONTO – Unifor says if Canada fails to obtain an exemption from unjust and punitive tariffs on steel and aluminum exports to U.S. then the Canadian government has no choice but to withdraw from NAFTA renegotiations.

“If America imposes duties on steel and aluminum and Canada doesn’t walk away from NAFTA immediately then make no mistake we will no longer be negotiating, we’ll be capitulating,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias.

School bus strike averted

March 1, 2018

PORT ELGIN- Unifor, the union representing school bus drivers at First Student Canada in Owen Sound/Wiarton and Port Elgin/Kincardine has reached a tentative agreement with the company, averting a strike set to begin Thursday morning.

"This is good news for drivers, and good news for parents," said Debbie Montgomery, President of Unifor Local 4268. "Despite a difficult round of bargaining, the bargaining committees have secured a deal that improves wages and working conditions.”

Without a fair offer, school bus strike remains on the table

PORT ELGIN- Unifor represented school bus drivers covering Owen Sound/Wiarton and Port Elgin/Kincardine remain committed to negotiations ahead of a 12:01 a.m. Thursday March 1 strike deadline but have not reached a deal.

Paramedic strike delayed by OLRB decision

Feb 27, 2018 SAULT STE. MARIE – A last minute decision from Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) has delayed a legal strike by paramedics that was to begin at midnight on February 28.

Goderich mine cutting corners with lay-offs, says Unifor

February 27, 2018

GODERICH—Unifor is calling on the Goderich mine’s owners, Compass Minerals, to “press pause” on a massive round of lay-offs in order to ensure that procedures are being followed properly.

“Being laid off is a major event in any family’s life,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “We have serious concerns about the way Compass has acted, and we’re calling on the employer to respect the collective agreement and their obligations under the law.”

Letter to Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil in Solidarity with NSTU

February 27, 2018

Premier Stephen McNeil,

On behalf of Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, I want you to know that our 315,000 members including our more than 13,000 in Nova Scotia stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with the Nova Scotia Teachers Union (NSTU) and the other unions and workers in the education sector who have expressed profound concerns with the Glaze Report.

Goderich mine cutting corners with lay-offs, says Unifor

Unifor is calling on the Goderich mine’s owners, Compass Minerals, to “press pause” on a massive round of lay-offs in order to ensure that procedures are being followed properly.

“Being laid off is a major event in any family’s life,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “We have serious concerns about the way Compass has acted, and we’re calling on the employer to respect the collective agreement and their obligations under the law.” 

Strike notice served in school bus negotiations

TORONTO – Unifor Local 4268 representing school bus drivers in Ontario has served First Student Canada with a strike notice effective as of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday March 1, 2018.

“Negotiations are continuing and it is our hope that a fair settlement can still be reached as we are fully aware of the key service that drivers provide to school communities,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Naureen Rizvi. “It’s clear however that low wages and the resulting driver shortages are chronic problems that must be addressed in the Ontario system.”

Tentative Agreement Reached

The Unifor ACL bargaining committee is pleased to report that a tentative agreement has been reached with Bell Aliant, after eight tough sessions of bargaining in Halifax.

Staffing levels lead to Domtar pulp mill shutdown

February 16, 2018

ESPANOLA, ONTARIO—Unifor is working with Domtar to find solutions to the staffing levels that have resulted in the pulp mill’s temporary shutdown.

“We’re disappointed with Domtar’s actions but we are doing everything we can to ensure that the mill is re-activated with safety in mind,” said Scott Doherty, Unifor Assistant to the National President.

After steam plant staffing levels reached a critical low, some operations could no longer continue. The company later initiated a shutdown, forcing dozens of workers to stop working.