All News

Unifor members ratify major gains at Residence Inn

VANCOUVER—Members of Unifor Local 433 voted 96 per cent in favour of a new four-year contract that improves the recall notice for laid off workers.

“The hospitality industry has struggled during the pandemic, but Unifor members have worked hard to fight for their rights to be recalled fairly,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Unifor collective agreements help ensure income security and lead the hospitality industry.”

Media Advisory: Unifor negotiations with Detroit Three begin tomorrow

August 11, 2020 TORONTO– Unifor will begin formal contract talks with the Detroit Three automakers, Fiat Chrysler, Ford and General Motors, to reach collective agreements for nearly 20 thousand members on August 12, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, strict safety protocols will be in place for the duration of the negotiations to ensure compliance with Ontario health directives. Unifor will make every effort to provide media with all necessary materials to allow for safe, remote coverage.

Media Advisory: Unifor to begin negotiations August 12th with Detroit Three automakers

August 6, 2020

TORONTO– Unifor will begin formal contract talks with the Detroit Three automakers, Fiat Chrysler, Ford and General Motors, to reach collective agreements for nearly 20 thousand members on August 12, 2020.

"These are significant negotiations at a time when the auto sector needs new investment to rebuild our economy with more Made in Canada manufacturing,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. “Our union is committed to negotiating a solid agreement that makes progress on wages and working conditions for our members."

Unifor urges retaliation for unfair aluminum tariffs

August 6, 2020

TORONTO—The re-imposition of punitive tariffs on Canadian aluminum exports by the U.S. Department of Commerce warrants a swift and aggressive trade reaction from the Trudeau government, says Unifor.

“A policy designed for Russian and Chinese exports has been recklessly applied to Canadian producers,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Prime Minister Trudeau must respond with severe countermeasures.”

Canada must retaliate against the US over aluminum tariffs

Jerry Dias, Unifor National President & Renaud Gagné, Unifor Quebec Director

Against any semblance of good judgement, the United States is on the verge of yet another trade war with Canada by slapping a new round of tariffs on Canadian aluminum.

Sadly, this is the culmination of the current US administration’s stubborn refusal to understand just how important Canadian aluminum is to the US and its willingness to sacrifice jobs in both countries on behalf of special interests.

Unifor welcomes mask requirement for Translink, B.C. Transit users

August 6, 2020

VICTORIA—The new requirement for transit passengers to wear masks onboard buses is a welcome change that will help protect both other passengers and transit operators, says Unifor.

“With the proper precautions, we can have great public transit that minimizes public health risks,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “We have the upmost confidence in the Provincial Health Officer.”

Beirut Explosion

August 6, 2020

The explosion this week in Beirut was startling to watch, and the images of the aftermath and the dreadful toll of the blast have been absolutely heartbreaking.

This terrible tragedy has struck a city still recovering from a devastating civil war and still dealing with the health and economic impacts of COVID-19. Closer to home, Lebanese Canadians are suffering and in need of our support and comfort. Like all of us, they can only watch their screens and hope for any good news they can find.

Strike averted as Dominion store workers reach tentative agreement

July 31, 2020 ST. JOHN’S–Unifor Local 597 and Loblaw Companies Limited have reached a tentative collective agreement, avoiding strike action at Dominion stores across Newfoundland. “These members have shown their character on the frontline of the pandemic and throughout the bargaining process as they united to improve working standards,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. “Unifor has and will continue the fight to raise the bar for essential retail workers.” Details of the collective agreement will not be released prior to ratification.

“Enough talk. We need bold action now.”: a coalition of unions representing front-line healthcare workers respond to Ontario’s long-term care staffing study

July 30, 2020

TORONTO — Unions that represent front-line healthcare workers across the long-term care sector issued the below joint statement following the release of Ontario’s long-term care staffing study, attributed to Sharleen Stewart, President, SEIU Healthcare, Candace Rennick, Secretary-Treasurer, CUPE Ontario, and Jerry Dias, National President, Unifor:

Dominion store strike deadline looms

July 30, 2020

ST. JOHN’S–Negotiations to renew the collective agreement between Unifor and Loblaw Companies Limited are coming down to the wire as a strike deadline that will affect all 11 Dominion stores in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador looms.

“This is not the outcome we want. However, as the hours pass it becomes clearer that strike action may be inevitable,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias.

Ending Systemic Racism and Redefining Public Safety

July 30, 2020

Harassment, assault, and murder committed by police in the United States and Canada are unjust and unacceptable.

Unifor acknowledges the systemic racism, rooted in White Supremacy, that leads to violence perpetuated against Black, Indigenous and people of colour globally, resulting in individual and community pain, incarceration, and death.

Unifor vows to continue fighting Kenney's anti-worker law

EDMONTON—Unifor members have resolved to continue to defend their rights at work after the all-night session of the legislature eased the passage of Bill 32.

“Bill 32 is a blatant attack on workers’ constitutional rights. There is absolutely no way we will comply with it,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Jason Kenny is turning back the clock on workers’ rights to benefit his wealthiest corporate donors.”

Unifor members ratify major gains at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

VANCOUVER—Members of Unifor Local 4275 overwhelmingly ratified a three-year contract that offers greater job protection during uncertain times in the hospitality industry.

“Unifor is a union for hospitality workers,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “The protections brokered in this collective agreement give greater income security to workers that have been so deeply affected by the pandemic.”

Dominion store workers deliver overwhelming strike mandate

July 24, 2020

ST. JOHN’S – Unifor members at Dominion grocery stores across Newfoundland have delivered an overwhelming 94% strike mandate, after negotiations with Loblaw Companies Limited have failed to produce a new collective agreement.

“These frontline workers have stepped up to serve their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic but Dominion continues to deny them full-time jobs and fair pay,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias.

The union has set a strike deadline a week from today at 12:01 a.m. Friday July 31, 2020.