Unifor locals embraced the opportunity to meet-and-greet with the union’s leadership and various departments at an Open House at the national office in Toronto on Jan. 24.
“We’re pleased to welcome our members to their union’s national office,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “A lot of great work happens here, and our work is for and with members every single day.”
Unifor Local 303 at Canadian aerospace manufacturer Firan Technology Group (FTG) in Scarborough, Ontario, voted 81% in favor of the new contract, ending a six-week strike.
Members of Unifor Local 4005 at Wajax Power Systems, a small unit of 14 predominantly skilled trades workers, have overwhelmingly ratified a new collective agreement following successful negotiations. Union members at Wajax provide maintenance, parts sales, and supply services to heavy truck operators in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
Today, on Bell Let's Talk Day 2024, Unifor wrote to Bell Canada to address recent changes in mental health coverage at Bell Technical Solutions (BTS). Despite Bell Canada's commitment to mental health, the shift from Industrial Alliance to the Manulife Omni-flex plan at BTS has resulted in reduced mental health services for our members.
The 55 school bus drivers of Local 510 working for the Chateauguay-based carrier Ro-bus went on strike on January 24 to demand better working conditions.
A formal strike notice was filed with the employer and the government on January 12, indicating that the strike would be called if no satisfactory agreement was reached by 00:01 on January 24.
Unifor's Quebec Director, Daniel Cloutier, began a tour of Quebec's regions on January 24 to meet with members. The purpose of this series of meetings is to strengthen ties and enable direct dialogue between the Quebec Director and members of Quebec locals.
Each meeting will provide members with an opportunity to discuss the challenges they face in their respective workplaces and communities, ask questions, share concerns and discuss union priorities. Cloutier will also address recent developments, future challenges and the union's initiatives to strengthen workers' rights.
VANCOUVER—Coast Mountain Bus Company’s (CMBC) refusal to find a solution in the ongoing negotiations with transit supervisors resulted in two days of lost wages for transit operators and maintenance staff.
“I have been very clear with our members: they are not going to pay the price for CMBC’s inability to get their house in order,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “We encourage CMBC to get back to the bargaining table and find a solution before further disruptions occur.”
NEW WESTMINSTER—Media are invited to an update about the 5,100 Unifor members working at Coast Mountain Bus Company (Translink) during transit supervisor negotiations.
“Translink has made a mess of things and they must fix it as soon as possible,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “Workers nor transit riders want this disruption in the region’s transportation network.”
Unifor stands in solidarity with workers in Argentina as they unite in a national general strike to oppose far-reaching anti-worker reforms being introduced by President Javier Milei. These reforms would grossly undermine basic workers’ rights and protections across the country, leaving millions of workers open to rampant abuse and exploitation.
On January 17 members of Unifor Local 866-O voted 100% in favour of a new three-year contract with Linde Canada.
The new collective agreement includes annual wage increases of 4.25%, 4.00%, and 3.75%. It also improves bereavement benefits, adds three vacation days, and a signing bonus.
Unifor has donated a $300,000 grant to Sheridan, Durham, Fanshawe, and St. Clair Colleges towards a new initiative to support women in the Skilled Trades.
Welcome to VIA Vignettes, where the heartbeat of Canadian rail travel is shared through the eyes of those dedicated to bringing you home. In this series, we explore the personal journeys of VIA Rail's employees, those who ensure your travel is more than a mere transfer from point A to B but a passage woven into the fabric of Canadian life.
HALIFAX - Mechanics and service technicians at O’Regan’s BMW ratified their first collective agreement making them the first unionized service centre at a Halifax-area car dealership.
“Sitting across the table from the boss and having a say in your working conditions is at the heart of workplace democracy,” said National President Lana Payne. “Through collective bargaining, these workers have fought to build an agreement that supported their priorities. These members should be very proud of what they have accomplished.”
On January 16 Unifor area director Frank Wright led a delegation of members at a meeting with Manitoba’s Minister of Labour and Immigration Malaya Marcelino, Unifor’s first in-person meeting with a government cabinet minister since Premier Wab Kinew and the Manitoba NDP were elected in October 2023.
The 71 members of Local 222 who work for the agency Swipe Jobs – which is on contract to Del Monte Fresh in Oshawa, Ont. to supply workers – are on strike to fight for a living wage.
“Del Monte has contracted out Swipe Jobs to provide workers at their facility, all the while not taking responsibility for the subpar wages and lack of benefits, making it impossible for our members to make a decent living,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
The past twelve months represented a positive step forward for working people in Canada. It was a period marked by low unemployment and high inflation (the conditions that typically create bargaining leverage for workers). It was also a period, on the heels of the COVID pandemic, when workers realized how integral their labour is to the health and success of the economy – and how, for years, that economy hasn’t delivered for them.
Autoport Eastern Passage workers prepare for potential strike action
Dear Members,
The bargaining team at Autoport Eastern Passage has been actively engaged in discussions with our employer since September 28, 2023. Our existing collective agreement concluded on December 31, 2023.
We're excited to share that we've reached a preliminary agreement for a new collective bargaining contract for nearly 1,000 of our members at CN Transportation Ltd. (CNTL). This group includes our dedicated owner-operator truck drivers across Canada, proudly represented by Unifor National Council 4000.
Unifor telecommunications members at Eastlink, represented by Local 919-M in Nova Scotia, have voted in favour of a new collective agreement that includes wage increases over the next three years.
The contract provides a 4.3% wage increase in the first year, followed by a 4% raise in the second year. The third year allows for a 2% raise and includes a ‘me too’ clause that stipulates that if the bargaining unit in Halifax receives more, these members will see the same increase. Additionally, employees will receive a $4,500 signing bonus.
Unifor Local 222 is celebrating a new collective agreement for its 161 members at Robinson Solutions. The three-year agreement with the company, located in the General Motors Autoplex in Oshawa, delivers wage increases of 29.62% for industrial cleaners and 31% for part-time industrial cleaners over the lifetime of the contract.
Unifor Retired Workers from across Canada remain active in retirement, through participation in their local Retired Worker Chapters and geographical Retired Worker area councils.
REGINA—Unifor Local 1-S and Local 2-S will make reversing the trend of contracting out unionized work a key priority as they begin bargaining this week with SaskTel.
As the final whistle blew on another thrilling season, the Unifor NFL Fantasy Pool celebrated an exciting year with a robust participation of 1500 dedicated members. The league witnessed intense competition, fostering excitement and camaraderie throughout the season.
WINNIPEG—Unifor enthusiastically supports the Manitoba government’s reported intention to introduce anti-scab legislation and single-step union certification.
WINNIPEG—Wage increases, a signing bonus and shift premiums are highlights of a new collective agreement ratified by Unifor Local 144 members at the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation.
“The previous conservative government left gaming sector workers behind,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “The gains in this contract help address the economic circumstances workers face, including the rising cost of living.”
CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C.—Unifor Local 3019 members are considering next steps after learning the company has filed for creditor protection under the Companies Creditor Arrangement Act (CCAA).
“We are going to fight for our members to ensure they get the severance and support they deserve,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.
Mine operations will enter a “care and maintenance” phase. Most Unifor members will be immediately laid off and paid for two weeks.
TORONTO — Unifor is denouncing FTG Aerospace for using scab labour amid an ongoing labour dispute at its Toronto facility.
"FTG’s decision to use scab labour is completely unacceptable. The company is demonstrating its complete lack of respect for its own employees while attempting to draw out this dispute at the same time,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Scabs are not qualified or certified to perform the work our highly-skilled members do and this poses a major safety concern.”
HALIFAX — Unifor applauds the Nova Scotia government’s decision to extend group benefits and a defined benefit pension plan to child care workers in the province.
After a decade-long hiatus, the Unifor Education department successfully reintroduced the 4-Week Paid Education Leave (PEL) program this year. Originating in 1978 at the Unifor Education Centre, this influential program has impacted over 6,500 graduates, shaping them into leaders within their communities, workplaces, local unions, and the national union.
This year's resurgence of the 4-Week PEL program is not just a comeback; it's a homage to the program's historical significance within the union.
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