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Unifor pushes to protect jobs as new tariff deadline is set

Unifor is calling on Canadians to stay united and remain on guard following the delay of tariffs on Canadian goods exported to the U.S. by 30-days. 

“The tariffs may be paused but the union’s work to protect our members’ jobs has not,” said National President Lana Payne. “The ongoing tariff threat alone is designed to redirect investment, which will hurt jobs in Canada whether tariffs come into effect or not.” 

City of Toronto Retail Holiday Shopping Survey

Unifor members,

Retail workers in Toronto are facing yet another attack on their right to guaranteed time off.

Big business is pushing to expand holiday shopping exemptions, which would force more retail workers to work on statutory holidays. This is unacceptable.

Unifor has always stood firm in protecting retail workers’ statutory holidays, and we need to take action once again. Toronto City Council is consulting with the public about holiday shopping exemptions and will soon be deciding on whether to expand them, and we must make our voices heard.

Plains Midstream workers ratify new agreement

Unifor Local 200 members at Plains Midstream in Windsor have ratified a new three-year collective agreement. 

The agreement includes annual wage increases of 3% and a $1,750 signing bonus, with no concessions. 
“This agreement reflects the hard work and dedication of the bargaining committee,” said Local 200 President John D’Agnolo. “It builds on our progress and protects the interests of the workers at Plains Midstream.”

Local 672 secures new contract

Unifor Local 672 members at SGS Petroleum Management have secured a new three-year collective agreement with strong wage gains.  

“This deal represents a major step forward for our members,” said Local 672 President John McEwan. “The bargaining committee worked tirelessly to secure an agreement that addresses the needs of Local 672 members while strengthening the contract’s protections.” 

Unifor urges Canada’s grocers to prioritize Made in Canada goods

TORONTO, Ont.-Unifor is urging Canada’s largest grocery stores, owned by Empire, Loblaw and Metro, to prioritize the purchasing and promotion of made in Canada products in response to the Trump administration’s reckless trade war against Canadian workers. 

In a letter to the CEOs of Empire, Loblaw and Metro, Unifor National President Lana Payne encouraged the grocers to make it easier for shoppers to identify made in Canada products on their shelves to support domestic industries and protect jobs.

Unifor Auto Council and Unifor Independent Parts Supplier Council statement on U.S. Tariffs

For more than 60 years, the Canadian and American auto industries have depended on each other. Together, we build best-in-class cars and trucks that remain the envy of the world. Unionized autoworkers fought for and won gold standard collective agreements that created good jobs, raised living standards and built strong, vibrant communities.  Two-way trade in automotive goods is about $160 billion per year and split virtually down the middle in near perfect balance. There is no better, fairer, and more productive trade relationship. 

Lana Payne statement on U.S. tariff pause

Trump’s tariff announcement was a turning point for our country. The President declared economic war on Canadian workers and our country. There is no turning back. No one should let their guard down at this 30-day pause on the tariffs. 

The threat of tariffs and therefore the continued threat of economic harm to the workers of Canada must be front and centre. We know the mere threat of tariffs is damaging to our economy.

Unifor Local 598 members reach new agreement with Glencore

SUDBURY, Ont.–Unifor Local 598 Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers’ Union workers voted to approve a new collective agreement that sees annual cost-of-living increases that includes a new minimum cola roll-in of $0.46 in addition to percentage wage increases, increased shift premiums, a redesigned nickel bonus and other gains.

Canada must hit back hard and fast as Trump declares economic war on Canadian workers

TORONTO— Canada must retaliate swiftly and definitively to the unjust imposition of a sweeping 25% tariff on Canadian goods and 10% tariff on energy imported to the United States, says Unifor.

“With the implementation of these tariffs, President Trump has declared a trade war with Canada and with Canadian workers,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Trump’s decision to go to battle with America’s largest trading partner will hurt working people on both sides of the border and inflict real economic damage to both countries.”

Unifor mourns the passing of Scott Bateman

On behalf of the Unifor National Executive Board and Unifor members across the country, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Scott Bateman, who served as the union’s Director of Road Transportation. 

Unifor urges Walmart to swiftly bargain first contract with truck drivers following ownership change

VANCOUVER – Unifor, which represents Walmart Canada truck drivers in British Columbia, is deeply concerned by today’s announcement that Canada Cartage is purchasing Walmart Fleet ULC, which now delays bargaining that was scheduled for tomorrow, Jan. 31.

“Warehousing and logistics workers have a right to a union, and we expect the company to bargain a first collective agreement with our members as soon as possible,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Unifor fights for NL workers on Premier Furey’s trade Roundtable

ST. JOHN’S—Unifor participated in Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey’s trade roundtable’s most recent meeting today, calling for swift action to protect workers, particularly in the province’s trade-exposed sectors like oil and gas, forestry and the fishery.

Black History Month Statement 2025

This February, Unifor proudly celebrates Black History Month by honoring the remarkable achievements and contributions of our members who strengthen our union, communities, and country every single day. We recognize the important work of Unifor members, BIWOC committee activists, and Racial Justice Advocates who champion equity and inclusion year round.

Unifor ready to defend against Trump tariff threat

Unifor leadership engaged with hundreds of representatives from Unifor locals from across the country on Jan. 28 to discuss the tariff threat and our union’s approach to protect jobs and safeguard our economy.

“This union has faced many big challenges in its past, including both a global financial crisis and a global pandemic that threw our world upside down,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne during the webinar.

Unifor calls on Ontario election candidates to protect workers and public services

Premier Doug Ford has called an early election. Ontarians are heading to the polls on Thursday, February 27. 

“This election is an opportunity to tell candidates what workers expect from their next government, said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. “In this election, Unifor calls on all parties to protect workers, secure the economy, and save public services.”  

View Samia’s video message: 

Inaugural dairy processing bargaining strategy meeting unites members amidst tariff threats

From January 24 to 26, 2025, local union leaders from Unifor’s dairy processing workplaces along with staff gathered at the national headquarters in Toronto for the inaugural Dairy Processing Strategy Meeting. The meeting united members from across the country to build a shared vision for collective bargaining for Canada’s critical link in the agricultural supply chain of essential food products like milk, cheese, and eggs.

Transdev transit workers show solidarity by not wearing uniforms heading towards February strike deadline

VANCOUVER –Heading towards a Feb. 8 strike deadline, Unifor members at Transdev (formerly First Transit) in Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island will not wear their uniforms until the company comes to the table with a fair deal.

“Transit workers move our communities,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Our members demand respect from the company, and we will support them as they bargain a fair collective agreement.”

DHL Delivered bargaining update

Dear Members,

Your bargaining committees met with the employer to start national bargaining during this last week of January 20 to 24. While we where able to address a few small items there is still a substantive amount of issues that need to be address. 

RailLine - Volume 12, Issue 3

Unifor members at Toronto Terminals Railway ratify new contract

Dear Members,

We are pleased to announce that Unifor Local 4003 members at Toronto Terminals Railway have unanimously ratified a new four-year collective agreement.

Unifor Statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

On this solemn occasion of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Unifor stands in solidarity to honor the memory of the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, alongside the millions of others who suffered and perished under Nazi persecution. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest and most infamous Nazi concentration and extermination camp during World War II. The anniversary is a powerful reminder of the atrocities born from hatred and bigotry and our collective role to combat antisemitism and hate.

Unifor denounces Amazon's closure of Quebec warehouses

MONTREAL - Unifor denounces Amazon's decision to close seven warehouses in Quebec. The union also reaffirms support for the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN), which has fought to improve conditions for Quebec’s unionized Amazon workers. 

Agropur dairy producers in Nova Scotia achieve wage and benefit gains and new full-time jobs in new contract

Unifor members at Local 4503 in Truro, N.S. have negotiated a new collective agreement that delivers wage increases, benefit gains, and new full-time jobs with dairy producer and cheesemaker Agropur.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for their dedicated efforts to get this group an agreement that will help create good jobs and improve benefits and wages,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.