On May 17, 2019, International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT), Unifor encourages members to build community with queer and trans members, and to support Pride activism globally.
At home and around the world, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community are increasingly scapegoated and targeted by oppressive and corrupt governments and political candidates.
While the arc of history continues to advance sexual orientation and gender diversity rights, the work is far from done.
TORONTO– Unifor calls for a complete end to the blood ban and a shift to a behaviour-based blood donation survey in Canada.
This week Health Canada announced the one-year deferral period for men who have sex with men and trans women from donating blood will be reduced to 3 months.
“A ban is a ban. Canada faces a chronic shortage of blood and organ donation, but still turns away donors based on sexual orientation,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “We need blood donation policies that ensure a safe supply without reinforcing discrimination.”
REGINA – Unifor workers from Saskatchewan’s seven crown corporations say the clock is ticking and they deserve a fair collective agreement.
“The Premier needs to get serious about negotiations to avoid a major disruption in Crown services,” said Unifor President Jerry Dias. “The province is trying to cut costs on the backs of workers who have helped the Crowns be successful and strengthen Saskatchewan’s economy.”
TORONTO—School bus drivers who work at Stock Transportation in the Toronto North Division and the Toronto East Division ratified two new three-year collective agreements on Saturday, May 4.
REGINA - Unifor members from seven crown corporations will send a strong message to the Saskatchewan government on Saturday May 4: The clock is ticking and we deserve a fair collective agreement!
Five thousand Unifor members work at SaskTel, SaskEnergy, SaskPower, SaskWater, the Saskatchewan Water Authority, Directwest and SecurTek. All have expired collective agreements.
TORONTO – Unifor’s National President, Jerry Dias and Travis Hester, President and Managing Director of General Motors Canada will make an important announcement this morning about operations in Oshawa.
Unifor stands in solidarity with participants of the National Student Climate Strike and supports the goals of immediate systemic action to reverse climate change.
“As usual, students and youth are showing leadership on the key issue of our time,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “We agree with students: there is no time to waste in making sweeping changes to avert serious global harm and Just Transition must be front and centre.”
Today, May 1, 2019 Unifor joins nations around the world to mark International Workers’ Day or May Day. We express our solidarity with our sisters and brothers across the globe who are protesting and demanding better working conditions for everyone. We are all fighting the same battle and when we unite in that fight, it only strengthens our message.
This year in particular, Unifor is engaged in several major fightback campaigns. We refuse to stand idly by while companies rake in profits on the backs of workers whose rights and jobs are under constant threat.
VANCOUVER – Unifor applauds B.C.’s NDP government for new laws that will end contract flipping by employers.
“Many of our members have lost their jobs because of this heartless, money grab by employers,” said Unifor President Jerry Dias. “We commend the BC NDP for changing the labour code to ensure greater stability in the workplace.”
The changes mean that workers who have built up fair wages and job security over years of hard work and dedication do not see those stripped away when contracts are re-tendered.
