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In the midst of pandemic, bold action is required

We are living in unprecedented times, and the window to flatten the curve is closing fast, and so is the opportunity to minimize the economic fallout of a pandemic.

The Covid-19 pandemic presents a tremendous challenge – both to human health and to the economy.

The solution to protecting our health, by closing the border and asking Canadians to stay home, is a wise move to prevent the spread, but it will have a swift and devastating effect on businesses who will be forced to issue massive layoffs or reduce hours.

President’s Message: In the midst of pandemic, bold action is required

By Jerry Dias

We are living in unprecedented times.

The Covid-19 pandemic exposes the strengths and weaknesses of public health systems around the world. The necessary responses to that pandemic are testing broader social safety nets, many of which have been damaged by years of austerity. As many economies fall into likely recession, governments are demonstrating their capacity, or lack thereof, to respond to this tremendous challenge.

READ THE FULL BLOG HERE

Unifor calls for income and benefit protection during casino shutdown

TORONTO – Unifor calls for bold and immediate action from government and employers to protect casino workers impacted by today’s announcement from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation to temporarily shut down all Ontario casinos in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Government and employers are acting now to protect the health and safety of casino workers and patrons,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “The result of that decision cannot leave workers vulnerable to the economic impact that this will have on their lives.” 

Do’s and Don’ts for employers during COVID-19 pandemic

March 13, 2020

TORONTO – Unifor is urging employers across every sector of the Canadian economy to protect workers from COVID-19 exposure and assist in slowing the spread of the pandemic to ease the impact on the health care system.

Air Navigation Specialists ratify collective agreement

March 13, 2020

OTTAWA— Unifor Local 1016 members who work as Canadian Air Navigation Specialists have voted 97 per cent in favour of ratifying a new four-year collective agreement with Nav Canada.

Bulletin #3

Sisters/brothers/colleagues,

CANCELLED

The General meeting scheduled for Wednesday March 18 has been cancelled due to concerns surrounding COVID-19. We will reschedule at a later date. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Bargaining with BellMTS resumed on March 10. Because we are dealing with Bell we did NOT get in all three scheduled days. The final day was cancelled because Bell could not get a response back to your committee.

Update: Health care member memo

Unifor makes worker safety a top priority and as such is calling on the federal and provincial governments to dedicate resources to the protection of all health care workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

#IWD - The fight for equity never ends

On March 8 we celebrate, we mourn and we double down on our determination to do more. 

International Women’s Day this year comes on the 50th anniversary of two important events – the abortion caravan to Ottawa and the Royal Commission on the Status of Women.

These landmarks are worth celebrating, even as we recognize the work that still needs to be done.

Members of Unifor’s predecessor unions were involved in the caravan, which began in Vancouver and made its way to Ottawa to push back against changes to Canada’s Criminal Code on abortion.

Empress hotel workers reach tentative agreement

VICTORIA—The bargaining committee for Fairmont Empress hotel workers have reached a tentative agreement with the employer.

“Unifor is a union for hotel workers,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “I’m proud of the work accomplished by Local 4276 to lead the hospitality sector in British Columbia.”

Jason Kenney’s austerity budget disaster

Premier Jason Kenney’s second budget sends a clear message to working people that they don’t matter. His 2020 budget doesn’t create jobs, it kills them, while exposing Alberta’s most vulnerable to even more insecurity. 

Kenney is doubling down on the same austerity strategy that has failed to produce results in Alberta or anywhere else in the world. His massive spending cuts coupled with tax breaks for the rich are the last thing Alberta needs.

Empress Hotel workers serve notice of job action

VICTORIA—The Empress Hotel management’s push for concessions at the bargaining table has forced members of Unifor Local 4276 to serve strike notice for 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 7.

“The Empress’ owner needs to think again if he thinks we’re going to let him degrade working conditions,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “You can’t have a first-class hotel without first-class service and first-class working conditions.”

Unifor Statement on International Women's Day 2020

International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 is a global day of celebration of women and women’s achievements. It was started by working women to call attention to poor pay and working conditions. It grew to include a call for women’s right to vote and stand for office. It is now a day to celebrate equality gains and recommit to action and persistence toward full equality for all equity-seeking groups.

Alberta budget a disappointment for workers

EDMONTON—The Kenney government’s continued pursuit of a balanced budget at any cost will continue to harm workers and their families, says Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union. 

“The speed at which Jason Kenney wants to balance the budget is purely ideological and will do significant harm to Alberta’s most vulnerable,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “There is simply no economic reason whatsoever to cut funding to schools and hospitals as Premier Kenney insists.”