All News

Shifting North American auto policy gives China the upper hand

Lana Payne Toronto Star oped 

As the Trump Administration continues its nonsensical tariff attack on Canada’s auto industry, it is becoming increasingly clear the only winner in this trade war is China.

News that Stellantis intends to build some electrified Jeep vehicles in China, with plans to export them around the world including Canada, is another gut punch to Unifor members at the Brampton Assembly Plant and the Canadian auto industry. 

Autobus Venise workers on strike over wages and guaranteed hours

Unifor Local 700 members at Autobus Venise in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield in Quebec have been on strike since October 22, 2026, following an impasse in negotiations over wages and employer demands for significant concessions on guaranteed hours of work.

Guaranteed hours were central to the settlement that ended the previous labour dispute three years ago. Now, the employer is seeking to roll back those protections, threatening the stable, predictable income members rely on.

MEDIA ADVISORY - Workers to mobilize at B.C. legislature lawn for 'Protect Canadian Jobs’ campaign

VICTORIA—Unifor members, their families and allies will rally Friday at the legislature to raise their voices for a government that protects good jobs and strengthens the public services British Columbians rely on.

WHAT: Protect Canadian Jobs rally

WHO: Unifor National President Lana Payne, Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor members from every economic sector

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 at 12 p.m. Pacific

WHERE: B.C. legislature lawn

Unifor welcomes auto supports, urges government to secure Brampton Assembly

TORONTO—Unifor welcomes the $2.5 billion investment from the federal and Ontario governments to support the country’s auto industry, hit hard by the ongoing U.S. trade war on Canada, and is urging government to focus on sustaining threatened auto assembly operations in Brampton.

“Our auto sector and the workers who depend on it have been directly targeted by the Trump administration. Support by both the federal and Ontario governments is essential to see workers and the industry through this crisis,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Unifor energy members ratify new pattern agreement with Suncor

TORONTO—Unifor energy members have ratified a new four-year pattern agreement with Suncor. The deal sets the standard for about 7,200 workers in the union's National Energy Program.

"Energy workers power this country, and they have shown again what happens when they stand together," said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. "I thank the bargaining committee for the work they did to win this agreement for members across the sector."

Albertans choose a strong Alberta in a united Canada

EDMONTON–Albertans have voted to remain a province in Canada, according to unofficial results. More than 75% of voters chose Option 1 on ballot question 10, which asked whether Alberta should remain in Canada or whether the Alberta government should begin the legal process toward a binding separation referendum. 

Unifor Active Dynamics manufacturing members on strike

Unifor members at Active Dynamics in Scarborough, Ont. went on strike at 6 a.m. on Oct. 19, 2026, seeking better wages, improvements to benefits, and stronger union representation in the workplace.

“Our members at Active Dynamics deserve wages that keep pace with the cost-of-living and benefits that meet their families’ needs,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

“Unifor stands firmly behind these manufacturing workers as they fight for a fair contract.”

Unifor members at Stellantis deliver overwhelming strike mandate

TORONTO—Unifor members at Stellantis have delivered a strong strike mandate with 97.3% voting in favour of authorizing strike action, if needed.

“Unifor members at Stellantis understand how difficult negotiations with the company have been and gave an overwhelming mandate to support their bargaining committee,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Our members are united in their determination to reach a fair agreement with Stellantis that protects jobs for Canadian autoworkers.”

Forestry workers rally in 36 communities for National Day of Action

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TORONTO—Unifor forestry members, their families and their supporters held events in 36 communities from coast to coast on Friday, Oct. 16, as part of the union's Forestry National Day of Action.

At mill gates, in parking lots, in parks and in the forest, workers called on all three levels of government to work with workers, employers and communities on a shared vision for a stronger, more sustainable forestry sector.

Alberta union members prepare for final referendum push

More than 40 Unifor, CUPE and USW members gathered in Calgary from Oct. 13 to 15 for the fourth joint “Labour Votes” training session mobilizing union members for Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum. It comes on the heels of a successful mail-in ballot blitz, and this week’s focus was turning that momentum into votes at the polls.

Jazz Aviation Crew Scheduling unanimously ratifies new four-year deal

Jazz Aviation Crew Scheduling members from Unifor Local 2002, working at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, have secured a new four-year collective agreement, ratifying the contract by 100%.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee on this win, which includes an immediate significant wage gain. Jazz Crew schedulers do vital work to keep the airline running, and this agreement delivers meaningful recognition of their contributions through substantial wage gains, new premiums and improved benefits,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

Unifor Telco Council sends solidarity to TP workers around the globe

TP workers and their allies, including Unifor’s Telecommunications Council executive, joined a global solidarity action by wearing pink in a sign of unity on October 15, 2026.  

This visual message supports the UNI Global Union’s position in renewing its global agreement with the company. Unifor is an affiliate of UNI Global Union.

Local Canadian coalition seeks to purchase RYAM’s Témiscaming mill

TÉMISCAMING— A Canadian coalition bringing together local managers at RYAM’s Témiscaming mill, unionized workers and First Nations is pursuing the purchase of the mill. The initiative aims to secure the future of the mill’s operations and protect the jobs that support families across the region.

Resist. Rise. Reimagine. National Women’s Conference honours the past and plans a better future

Speaking to a room of nearly 400 at Unifor’s National Women’s Conference in Port Elgin, Ont., teacher and TikToker Joanna Johnson opened the event with a keynote address that tapped into the strength of women and the truth they must wield, framing the conversations that would follow over the coming days. 

“We’re afraid of telling the truth because we’re afraid it will limit our progress and our access.”

RYAM Témiscaming ends production

On the morning of October 4th, the last Unifor members finished their shifts at the RYAM mill in Témiscaming. After weeks of uncertainty and an initial postponement of the shutdown announced by the employer, production has now officially come to a halt.

Since then, no steam has risen from the mill’s stacks — an unusual sight in Témiscaming that reflects a much more difficult reality. Approximately 300 workers are now off the job, while a small number of employees will remain on site to maintain essential operations and the facility during the production shutdown.

RailLine - Volume 13, Issue 2

Bargaining with TTR opens in Vancouver

Dear Members,

Your Unifor bargaining committee met with Toronto Terminals Railway (TTR) in Vancouver on Tuesday, October 6 to open negotiations for a new collective agreement. The committee went in focused on the priorities you raised, and this first meeting marks the start of the process.

Unifor moves to strike authorization votes at Stellantis

Unifor is proceeding with strike authorization votes as negotiations with Stellantis remain at an impasse. A strike authorization gives the bargaining committee the authority to call a strike if necessary, it does not automatically mean a strike will take place.

Letter to Minister Hajdu: Protect free collective bargaining and the right to strike

The Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Jobs and Families
Employment and Social Development Canada

RE: Free collective bargaining and the right to strike

Dear Minister Hajdu, 

We are writing with profound concerns with some of Bill C-39’s proposed changes to the Canada Labour Code, which will considerably curtail workers’ rights in this country and run afoul of international labour treaties to which Canada is a signatory. 

Quebec elections: Unifor Quebec calls on the new government to protect workers’ jobs and rights

MONTREAL— In the wake of the elections in Quebec, Unifor Quebec is urging the incoming government to engage in a genuine dialogue with workers. In response to the serious challenges currently facing both the manufacturing and forestry sectors, the union expects to see concrete measures aimed at safeguarding jobs as well as a clear commitment to respecting union rights.

Unifor members at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver schedule strike vote

VANCOUVER—Housekeeping and food and beverage workers at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver will cast ballots on October 6 and 7, 2026 on a strike mandate for their bargaining committee.  

"Fairmont Hotel Vancouver workers deliver the world-class service this hotel is known for, and they deserve a contract that reflects it," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "A strong strike vote will send a clear message that the employer needs to come to the table with a fair offer."

Letter to Ontario Minister of Labour: The use of scab workers at Great Canadian Entertainment

Honourable Trevor Jones, MPP
Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development 
400 University Avenue, 14th Floor 
Toronto, Ontario   M7A 1T7

RE: Use of Scab Workers at Great Canadian Entertainment Pickering, Ajax and Toronto Resort Casinos During Labour Dispute

Dear Minister Jones, 

We are writing to bring your attention to an ongoing labour dispute with Great Canadian Entertainment (GCE).