All News

Paramedics crisis in Ontario news conference

Rob Moquin, a former paramedic and now a Unifor National Staff Representative, delivered a powerful speech today during the Situation Critical: Ongoing Crisis in Paramedic Services Sparks Call for Action media conference at Queen’s Park. He spoke about the devastating impact of staffing shortages on paramedics and the communities they serve.

Unifor solidarity statement with Korean trade unions

Unifor stands in solidarity with Korean trade unions in defence of democracy. 

Unifor stands in full support and solidarity with labour unions across South Korea in the wake of protests against sitting President Yoon Suk Yeol and his attempt to subvert democracy and impose martial law in the country.

B.C. Council sets ambitious plans for 2025

WHISTLER—More than 200 Unifor leaders and delegates gathered in Whistler for the 2024 B.C. Regional Council to discuss key issues facing B.C.’s workers and make strategic plans for the future.

B.C. Regional Chairperson Leanne Marsh opened the meeting and introduced the cultural ambassadors from the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre who provided a welcome to unceded Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Lil̓wat7úl territories.  

National President Lana Payne’s remarks on softwood lumber trade dispute to the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade

Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT)

“Recent Developments Concerning the Canada–United States Softwood Lumber Trade Dispute”

Good morning, members of the Standing Committee on International Trade, members of Parliament, and guests. My name is Lana Payne and I am President of Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, with more than 320,000 members across the country, working in every major sector of the Canadian economy.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Situation critical: ongoing crisis in paramedic services sparks call for provincial task force

Shortages of ambulances and dangerous wait times are just two consequences of a province-wide staffing crisis in the province’s paramedic services. Despite repeated calls for action, the Ford government has never taken the steps needed to ensure adequate paramedic services for Ontario residents.

Now Ontario New Democrats and four unions that represent thousands of Ontario paramedics are demanding the Ford government act to address longstanding issues in the sector.

The Red Flag - December 2024

In this Edition:

The Journey Podcast with special guest Manitoba Premier, Wab Kinew 
The Spotlight: Warehouse Workers Unite! 
Inspiration and Wisdom from Marshall Ganz
Organizing WINS in 2024


Look Who’s Joined:

(New members over the last 3 months)

Unifor welcomes $758 million federal government investment in Canadian-made TTC subway cars

TORONTO—Unifor is pleased to hear today’s long-awaited federal government commitment to fund new Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway cars, with the union’s expectation that the investment will result in good jobs at the Alstom plant in Thunder Bay. 

“This critical investment is the final piece of the puzzle needed to build much-needed subway cars for Toronto transit riders that can sustain hundreds of manufacturing and spin-off jobs,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

Dexterra workers ratify new collective agreement

The 239 members of Local 414 have ratified a new three-year agreement with their foodservice employer Dexterra at the University of Toronto Mississauga campus.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for fighting for a fair contract for our hospitality members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

RailLine, Volume 11 – Issue 26

Unifor and CPKC Negotiations Reach Impasse as Union Plans Strike Votes

Dear Members,

Unifor and CPKC met during the week of November 26-29 to continue negotiations on non-economic bargaining proposals. 

Lana Payne addresses trade at Quebec Regional Council

“We’ve got to step up here as a nation to make sure that we are doing everything to protect Canadian jobs,” says Unifor National President Lana Payne on Trump tariff threats. Watch Lana’s message on trade to Unifor Quebec Regional Council delegates.

Workers at INEOS demand alternatives to plant closure

SARNIA—INEOS Styrolution's decision to accelerate the closure of its Sarnia facility to the end of December 2025 has prompted Unifor to call on the federal and provincial governments to intervene.

"The expedited closure of the Sarnia plant is a devastating blow to our members and the local community," stated Unifor National President Lana Payne. "We urge the governments and the company to work together to secure a new investor."

CN workers vote overwhelmingly in favour of strike action

MONTREAL – Unifor members of Council 4000 and Local 100 at Canadian National Railway (CN Rail) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, with 96% of Local 100 members and 97% of Council 4000 members supporting the mandate, preparing to take action should an agreement not be reached by January 1, 2025.

RailLine, Volume 11 – Issue 25

CN workers vote overwhelmingly in favour of strike action

Dear Members,

Unifor members of Council 4000 and Local 100 at Canadian National Railway (CN Rail) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, with 96% of Local 100 members and 97% of Council 4000 members supporting the mandate, preparing to take action should an agreement not be reached by January 1, 2025.

Statement for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

November 25 starts the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) which includes December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, then ends on December 10. As a union, we have dedicated our activism to end GBV since the devastation of the Montreal Massacre which took the lives of 14 women at Ecole Polytechnique in Quebec, simply because they were women. 

Telco clerical workers organize ahead of bargaining

In the next year alone, Bell Clerical units from Ontario and Quebec, Bell MTS, and Bell workers across Atlantic Canada will go to the table, representing thousands of Unifor members in the telecommunications sector.  

Fairmont Empress Hotel spa workers join Unifor

Unifor Local 4276 welcomed nearly forty new members following a successful variance application after union cards were signed by workers at the Willow Stream Spa.

“We welcome these new members to our union and look forward to negotiating the collective agreement they deserve,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.  

The expansion of the bargaining unit includes spa attendants, experience coordinators, aestheticians, registered massage therapists, body technicians. Each area will now be represented by a lead hand.

Unifor members support NSNDP candidates ahead of Nova Scotia election

With one week left before Nova Scotians complete their votes for provincial representatives, Unifor members are speaking to fellow members to encourage them to cast their ballot and are volunteering with incumbents and candidates who are pushing for programs and policies that will directly benefit workers.