All News

Unifor considers escalating complaint against Regina Police

May 20, 2020

REGINA—After revelations that the Regina Police Service kept secret a bomb threat against picketing members, Unifor will examine its options for expanding an existing complaint against the RPS.

“Regina police have been at the beck and call of the company from the beginning of the lockout,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Now there is clear evidence that their loyalty to the refinery has veered into a recklessness that could have cost lives.”

Ford’s long-term care inquiry long overdue

May 20, 2020

TORONTO – Unifor welcomes the Ontario government’s announcement to launch an independent commission to investigate Ontario's Long-Term Care (LTC) system, so long as a manageable patient to staff ratio is put in place and recent changes such as pay increases and worker protection are maintained.

Regina Police silence over bomb threat a dangerous game

It’s shocking enough that a bomb threat was made against picketers at the Co-op Refinery, but to learn that no one – not Regina Police, not the mayor, not the province – lifted a finger to warn anyone puts every citizen of Regina in danger.

Think about it. A bomb at a refinery. An explosion there would put thousands of lives at risk far beyond the picket line – so you have to ask why would anyone bury such a threat.

Secondary picket line goes up at Foam Lake cardlock

May 19, 2020

FOAM LAKE—Federated Co-operatives Limited’s refusal to accept the recommendations of Premier Scott Moe’s mediators has again affected the fuel supply for farmers, says Unifor.

“It will not be business as usual for the refinery while they’ve locked out highly skilled workers,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “This lockout must end with the mediators’ terms.”

Unifor celebrates Personal Support Worker Day

Unifor celebrates personal support workers (PSWs) in Ontario, and Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs) in Nova Scotia on May 19, Personal Support Worker Day.

Across Canada these workers provide the highest quality patient-centred care every day in our communities, our homes, and in long-term care homes and hospitals.

Unifor celebrates the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia: In 2020, Shout Your Pride

May 17, 2020

Unifor marks the 2020 International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT) with love and solidarity for people of all sexual and gender minorities.

Despite the challenging and unprecedented times we are living through, Unifor remains resolved to continue the fight against homophobia and transphobia.

As we resurface after this crisis and begin to build a better world, that world must do away with the inequalities and oppression that lead to discrimination.

Unifor comment and recommendations on government plans to restart the Ontario economy

Hon. Rod Phillips
Ontario Minister of Finance

Date: May 11, 2020

Minister Phillips,

Unifor represents 315,000 people working in Canada, including over 160,000 members in Ontario, across a diverse range of public and private sector workplaces. In the past three months, we have coordinated with many employers, including those in workplaces deemed “essential”, to develop proper workplace protocols and safety procedures to protect the health and wellbeing of workers and the public. 

Unifor thanks nurses for quality care and support during pandemic

Unifor stands with workers across the country and around the globe in recognizing and celebrating the outstanding contributions of nurses through the release of report highlighting contribution of RPNs and LPNs during National Nursing Week May 11 - 17, 2020.

Nurses across the country need our support and solidarity amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses, along with all health care workers, are on the front line, battling the deadly virus each day. The work of RPNs and LPNs is invaluable to providing care for Canadians at all hours of the day.

Unifor thanks nurses for quality care and support during pandemic

May 11, 2020

TORONTO - Unifor stands with workers across the country and around the globe in recognizing and celebrating the outstanding contributions of nurses through the release of a report highlighting the contribution of RPNs and LPNs during National Nursing Week May 11 - 17, 2020.

Pharmacare needed for pandemic and after

Eight weeks into the shutdown, the prescriptions Canadians got filled before the pandemic or in its early days are starting to run low.

For those who rely on those medications to stay healthy, or even to stay alive, this is a new and personal health crisis stacked on top of a very public one. After all, those with underlying health problems are most at risk if they contract the coronavirus.

In many ways, COVID-19 has exposed the inequities in our society. It has taken the cracks in our society and blown them wide apart – including access to medications.

Unifor mourns the loss of PSW member due to COVID-19

TORONTO – Unifor mourns the loss of Leonard Rodriques a Local 40 PSW member who passed due to a preventable workplace exposure to COVID-19. “I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Leonard's family, as well as his union sisters and brothers who are working for Access Independent Living Services,” said, Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Leonard worked for more than thirty years providing care for those in need.

Unifor calls on the federal government for emergency drug coverage for all

April 29, 2020

SENT VIA EMAIL @email

The Right Honourable Prime Minister Trudeau, P.C., M.P.

Office of the Prime Minister

80 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2

Dear Prime Minister,

Since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, Canada and the rest of the world have been responding to what will surely be remembered as the biggest health, social and economic crisis of our time.

Many hospital workers ineligible for pandemic pay

May 7, 2020
Sent by email: @email
Hon. Doug Ford
Office of the Premier
Legislative Building, Queen’s Park
Toronto, ON M7A 1A1

Dear Premier Ford,

Unifor recognizes the importance of the $4 per hour “pandemic pay premium” that is being provided for front-line workers during this crisis. We all agree that these front-line workers deserve the extra compensation given their hard work and the health risks that they face while on the job.

Many front-line hospital workers left out from Ford pandemic pay

TORONTO – Unifor is calling on Doug Ford to immediately revise the Ontario's pandemic pay premium to include all health care workers. "I applauded Doug Ford when he announced the pandemic pay premium for health care workers but the devil is always in the details," said, Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "The premium leaves out many hospital workers, some of whom are doing the same job as those in long-term care and social services.

Unifor calls on the federal government for emergency drug coverage for all

Dear Prime Minister,

Since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, Canada and the rest of the world have been responding to what will surely be remembered as the biggest health, social and economic crisis of our time.

The federal government has indeed stepped up to implement significant emergency support measures for individuals and businesses. As this crisis continues, however, we urge you to address one of the most glaring and pressing issues facing Canadians: the lack of access to prescription medication.

READ THE FULL LETTER HERE