Unifor is presently in negotiations with CN Transportation Ltd. (CNTL) on the renewal of a new collective agreement on behalf of approximately 700 Unifor members who are contracted as dependant owner-operators with the company. CNTL is a subsidiary of the Canadian National Railway Co.
KINGSTON— Telecommunications workers from Expertech will converge in Kingston, Ontario, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, rallying against Bell's sustained efforts in job erosion through practices such as offshoring and contracting out. The unified stand calls for full-time jobs, equitable wages and benefits that keep up with the pace of inflation.
The affordability crisis and privatization in the health care system were top of mind at this year’s Ontario Regional Council, held in Ottawa on Dec. 1 to 2.
Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi said access to high-quality public health care is for everyone, not just the rich—which is why the union is fighting back against health care cuts and privatization.
WINNIPEG—Unifor Local 144 members have voted overwhelmingly, with 98% in favour, to take strike action if a fair contract cannot be reached this month.
As the union representing thousands of workers in Canada’s aerospace industry, Unifor is hopeful the contract to replace Canada’s patrol aircraft will result in good paying aerospace jobs for Canadians, but is also disappointed with the decision of the federal government to proceed without a public request for tenders.
“Canada’s aerospace industry and its highly-skilled workforce have much to offer, and we will continue to advocate for a comprehensive industrial strategy that builds up this important sector in Quebec and Canada,” said National President Lana Payne.
From November 24 to 26, Quebec City hosted Unifor's 19th Quebec Council, a major event celebrating the organization's 10th anniversary. A celebration in itself, the council was an opportunity to reflect on a decade of struggles and achievements.
MONTREAL - VIA Rail Canada’s new baggage policy and reservation system introduces sweeping changes that are catching passengers and workers off-guard as rail travel gears up for the holiday season.
TORONTO – Unifor says yesterday’s announcement by the federal government to forge a path forward with Google by implementing the Online News Act and keeping local and national news content accessible for Canadians is encouraging, and the union eagerly awaits to see the finalized regulations.
Unifor marks December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. On this day, we solemnly remember the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre when 14 women were killed on their Montreal campus, and all lives tragically lost to gender-based violence, and we recommit to the ongoing battle against this pervasive and deeply unjust violence.
More than seventy academics have united in support of a federal ban on replacement workers (Bill C-58). The bill is currently undergoing its Second Reading in the House of Commons, presenting a historic opportunity to reshape the landscape of workers' rights in federally regulated workplaces.
VANCOUVER – Unifor members working at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) in Comox Valley and Campbell River, B.C. have rejected the latest contract offer by 86% after the company did not close the gap to address issues of wage disparity, scheduling, and overtime language.
Members spoke out clearly at ratification meetings held Nov. 26 and voted to reject this tentative agreement.
Members of Local 4005 at the Discovery Centre in Halifax ratified a new collective agreement with strengthened language, a new evening shift premium, and wage increases.
“The unity among Discovery Centre workers in standing up for each other and fighting for respect from their employer is inspiring,” said Jennifer Murray, Unifor Atlantic Regional Director. “I send my congratulations to the bargaining committee for the hard work they’ve done during this challenging round of negotiations.”
Unifor will welcome more than 40 new members from the security department at the Pickering Casino Resort after they voted 97% in favour of joining. Local 1090 already represents workers on the casino gaming floor.
After a tragic workplace fatality among security personnel in October 2023, Local 1090’s gaming unit chairperson helped provide support and assistance.
“After an unspeakable tragedy, security workers at Pickering Casino Resort turned anger into hope and formed a union to better protect themselves at work,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.
Skilled Trades members from across the country poised the trades for the future as they voted to elect the Skilled Trades Executive and Committee members who will serve for the next three years.
Originally published in the Windsor Star November 25, 2023
Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.
The famous quote from American author and funny-man Mark Twain helps summarize the firestorm surrounding Windsor’s NextStar battery plant.
What started as an innocuous social media post from, of all groups, the Windsor Police Service has become a fire-and-brimstone level debate in this country.
CROFTON—The fourth consecutive curtailment at the Paper Excellence paper mill in Crofton will keep more than 100 workers laid off and the community left wondering why they have nothing to show for $19 million in public funding from two levels of government.
The new curtailment will reportedly extend to the end of February 2024.
WINNIPEG—Workers’ rights and fixing health care were among the top priorities outlined in the Manitoba Speech from the Throne.
The event was witnessed in person by Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle and several members who were active in the campaign to unseat former PC leader Heather Stefanson in the October 3 election.
COMOX—A strike at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) in Comox and Campbell River in British Columbia has been averted as the bargaining committee of Unifor Local 114 and the employer have reached a tentative agreement.
“Congratulations to our members at Local 114 in the Comox Valley for bargaining tough to achieve fairness in a region with a rapidly growing cost of living,” Lana Payne, Unifor National President.
A tentative agreement has been reached between Unifor and No Frills.
“Our bargaining committee at No Frills was determined to build on what grocery store workers had achieved this past summer with Metro,” said Lana Payne, National President of Unifor. “This tentative agreement delivers pattern wages and many other improvements for our members.”
VANCOUVER—The proposed regulations outlined today by B.C. Labour Minister Harry Bains delivers long-overdue protections for misclassified gig workers but will stop short of giving them the full employment rights all Canadians deserve, says Unifor.
“Powerful digital platform employers have come to rely on precarious employment, and governments can and must raise the floor for gig workers,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.
VANCOUVER – Unifor has submitted 72-hour strike notice to Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) placing Local 114 transit members in a legal strike position as of Sun., Nov. 19 at 8:46 a.m.
“Our union remains committed to trying to negotiate a contract that addresses the concerns and needs of the membership,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance, observed on November 20th, is a solemn occasion to remember and honour those who have tragically lost their lives due to ignorance and hatred, targeted solely because of their transgender or gender non-conforming identity.
WATCH: Unifor National President Lana Payne comments on tabled anti-scab legislation alongside Minister of Labour, Seamus O'Regan. "Our union has been fighting for this day for a very long time."
On 2023 World Toilet Day, Unifor stands in solidarity with the global movement to address the critical issue of sanitation, emphasizing the importance of safe and inclusive washroom facilities for all, particularly for women and 2SLGBTQI+ members.
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