WINDSOR – The 317 members of Unifor Local 195 employed by Jamieson have ratified a new collective agreement, ending a 34-day strike.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for holding steady during some difficult negotiations and fighting for a contract their members could support,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“As well, my sincere thanks to our members and their families, for showing up on the picket line, day in and day out, remaining strong in your resolve and solidarity.”
OTTAWA - Unifor welcomes the federal government's tabling of new pharmacare legislation that lays the groundwork towards the realization of a universal pharmacare program in Canada.
"Today’s historic victory is important for many reasons and especially during these challenging
HALIFAX — Unifor condemns CN Autoport, for engaging in legal ploys to harass and intimidate workers engaged in peaceful strike action.
On the first day of a legal strike, Autoport sought an injunction that falsely accused Unifor Local 100 members of blocking access to International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) workers, a charge the union refutes.
HALIFAX — Autoport is attempting to strike bust with the use of scabs, some brought in from out of province, who are violating the legal picket line of Unifor Local 100 members who commenced strike action at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
HALIFAX - Unifor Local 100 has served Autoport with 48-hour strike notice, positioning for strike action starting 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, February 27.
“The union remains fully committed to negotiating a fair and equitable deal for our members that address the challenging economic times,” said Lana Payne,
Unifor National President. “I am calling on the employer to return to Monday’s negotiations with a genuine intent to reach an agreement. Our members prefer to avoid a labour dispute but stand ready to act if it becomes necessary.”
WILLIAMS LAKE — Wages, safety improvements, and equitable workplace accountability are priorities for Unifor Local 3018 as bargaining opens with Taseko this month.
"In the face of increasing living costs and the inherent risks associated with mining, it is imperative that our members at Gibraltar receive fair compensation, robust safety measures, and just treatment in the workplace," stated Lana Payne, Unifor National President.
TRENTON, Ont. - Unifor is blaming a lack of capital investment during good economic times on the decision by Cascades Containerboard to close its plant here, throwing over 100 Unifor members out of work.
“This is sadly an example of a company failing to invest when it should and now our members and their families are paying the price,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “I want to be clear we expect the company to come through with severance terms that reflect the workers’ many years of dedicated service.”
TORONTO — Unifor commends the Ontario Court of Appeal’s decision today, upholding the Ontario Superior Court’s ruling that Bill 124 is unconstitutional.
“This decision is vindication for the tens of thousands of workers, many of them working in health care and education, who were denied their constitutional right to fair and free collective bargaining. It also sends a strong and clear message to governments across this country considering using legislative powers to deny workers’ rights,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
TORONTO - Unifor welcomes the announcement of a new agreement between the federal and Ontario governments that promises to inject $3.1 billion in federal funding into the province's health care system.
TORONTO – Unifor is outraged about today’s announcement from Bell Canada Enterprises Inc. (BCE Inc.) to cut 4,800 jobs – 9% of its workforce – affecting 800 of the union’s members, while deliberately putting shareholders ahead of workers with increased dividend payouts.
OCHU/CUPE, SEIU Healthcare and Unifor joined by all opposition leaders to say the government must address workers’ concerns to protect quality patient care
Toronto, ON – “Save our hospital care” will be the rallying cry on Tuesday as hundreds of health care workers hold a demonstration in Toronto on Tuesday, February 6 demanding higher staffing levels and quality patient care from the Ford government and their employers.
TORONTO—The Canadian Air Navigation Specialists Association (CANSA) at Unifor Local 1016 filed a Notice of Dispute last week to enter conciliation after hitting an impasse with NAV Canada in bargaining that began in May of last year.
“This filing is a continuation of the bargaining process with outside assistance,” said James Walker, president of CANSA and Unifor Local 1016. “We are committed to negotiating the best possible deal for our members during these challenging times.”
COMOX, B.C.– Unifor Local 114 members at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) in Comox Valley and Campbell River, B.C., have successfully ratified a new collective agreement that addresses some fixes to the public transit system.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee and to the members for standing strong at the bargaining table and on the picket lines to make a stand for improving public transit,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
EDMONTON—Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s new plans to block access to gender-affirming medical care for younger teens is a violation of fundamental human rights and will cause avoidable harm to transgender youth, says Unifor.
“Premier Smith has prioritized wedge politics over tackling the pressing economic issues facing Alberta’s workers and their families,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “She’s put a bullseye on our most vulnerable youth to score cheap points with ultra conservatives. It’s disgusting.”
WINDSOR – Unifor Local 195 members who work at Jamieson Laboratories in Windsor, Ont. went on strike at midnight after rejecting the latest offer by the employer.
The union’s strike action stemmed primarily from disputes over wages, the duration of a proposed four-year agreement, benefits, and job security.
OTTAWA— Unifor is calling on Parliament to prioritize measures to address the affordability crisis, develop new industrial strategies to build the economy and accelerate anti-scab legislation and long overdue Employment Insurance reforms.
HALIFAX - Unifor is demanding Northern Pulp reverse its decision to end pension recall rights for members of Unifor Local 440.
“Unifor gave a strong recommendation to Northern Pulp to wait until the CCAA proceedings are resolved before making any decisions that affect members of Local 440,” said Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray. “Extending pension recall rights costs the company absolutely nothing out of pocket but they chose to snub the group of people who have been their most ardent supporters.”
VANCOUVER-Unifor is calling for an immediate response by all levels of government to support the Vancouver Island forestry sector following Paper Excellence’s announcement to curtail operations at its Crofton pulp mill indefinitely.
“An indefinite curtailment is an immeasurable loss for too many workers and their families who deserve so much better from Paper Excellence,” said National President Lana Payne. “These companies must be held to account and Canada and B.C. must support a value-added forestry industry that creates good, union jobs for generations to come.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
WINNIPEG—Unifor Local 144 members will vote on a contract later this week after negotiations produced a tentative agreement today.
“Our members at Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries demonstrated to the employer they were fed up with the status quo,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Their solidarity and skilled bargaining has resulted in a contract they can be proud of.”