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Unifor donates $500,000 to Canadian Red Cross Hurricane Fiona response

TORONTO- Unifor will donate $500,000 to the Canadian Red Cross for the Hurricane Fiona in Canada Appeal in support of recovery efforts in Atlantic Canada and eastern Quebec.

“The devastation in coastal and Atlantic communities cannot be overstated. Recovery efforts will be ‘all hands on deck’ and Unifor is prepared to step up and participate through what will surely be a long and difficult period,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.

Unifor ratifies collective agreement with Extendicare

TORONTO— Members at the Extendicare group of nursing homes across Ontario ratified 10 new collective agreements with precedent-setting improvements including a pilot project to move the entire workforce to full-time. 

Unifor converts 300 temporary positions into permanent jobs

FORT MCMURRAY—A new memorandum of understanding signed with Suncor will convert 300 temporary positions into permanent jobs by the end of 2024.

“Local 707-A has done great work to secure these additional good jobs by mutual agreement with the employer,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director.

Unifor members ratify new agreement with Loomis

TORONTO—Wage increases and improved sick day provisions are part of a new five-year collective agreement ratified today by Unifor members at Loomis Express.

“Unifor is a strong union for courier industry workers,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Time and again, Loomis Express workers have identified policies that will improve working conditions and bargained skillfully to achieve new gains.”

Unifor school bus drivers reach tentative agreement with First Student

OWEN SOUND —School bus drivers represented by Unifor Local 4268 have reached a tentative agreement with First Student Owen Sound, Kincardine/Port Elgin.

“As the leading union for Ontario’s school bus sector, it’s important that Unifor continues to raise the bar for these critically important workers,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “These negotiations were protracted and I thank the bargaining committee for their dedication in securing a tentative agreement for our members.” 

FFAW Launches Industrial Focused Safety Campaign

ST. JOHN’S, NL – FFAW-Unifor, the largest private sector trade-union in the province, is launching a campaign focused on health and safety issues affecting members. The campaign will run throughout the fall months and will highlight key topics with the goal of bringing change from legislation makers and employers.

Bell Aliant workers vote to accept new contract

HALIFAX- Unifor members at Bell Aliant voted to accept a new collective agreement, ending an 8-month negotiation period.

“Telecommunications workers were razor-focused throughout these talks. The members demanded fair wage increases and commitments to keep good union jobs here in Atlantic Canada,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.

The 4-year tentative agreement was reached with Bell on September 9, 2022 and was presented to members for a vote on September 13 and 14, 2022.

Purdy’s workers ratify new contract

VANCOUVER—Wage increases and shift premiums are highlights of a new collective agreement ratified September 14 by Unifor members at Purdy’s Chocolatier.

“This contract makes important gains for workers struggling to cope with the rising cost of living in Metro Vancouver,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director.

School bus drivers at First Student overwhelmingly vote to support strike action

OWEN SOUND —School bus drivers at First Student have voted overwhelmingly to support strike action if negotiations with the company fail to produce a new collective agreement.

“This is a job with tremendous responsibility, not a hobby, but companies continue to ask drivers for a full-time commitment for a part-time pay,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “It’s time for these drivers to be treated with the respect that they deserve.”

Jury on inquiry into Sudbury miner’s 2015 death adopts Unifor safety recommendations

TORONTO –A jury adopted several of Unifor’s safety and process recommendations to help prevent future death and injury to miners following an inquiry into the October 15, 2015 workplace death of Sudbury miner Richard Pigeau. 

“The jury’s safety, support and training recommendations must be implemented immediately as they are necessary to protect workers in the mining sector,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “One worker’s death is one too many. These practical changes can save lives and prevent injury.”

Unifor opens contract talks with CP

CALGARY – Bargaining for a new collective agreement began this morning in Calgary between Unifor Local 101R and Canadian Pacific (CP).

“Our members have worked tirelessly day in and night across the country, in helping CP earn record profits,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “It is our expectation that CP rewards our members with the fair and equitable wage increases that they deserve.”

Purdy’s workers reach tentative deal before midnight deadline

VANCOUVER—Unifor Local 2000’s bargaining committee has secured a tentative agreement with Purdy’s Chocolatier during negotiations that went down to the deadline set by the union.

“I’m proud of the solidarity and the work done by Local 2000 members to reach a tentative deal that advances their goals,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. 

Purdy’s workers set midnight strike deadline

VANCOUVER—Members of Unifor Local 2000 working at Purdy’s Chocolatier could be on strike at midnight if the employer refuses to make a fair wage offer during negotiations today.

“Unifor members have helped make Purdy’s a household name in British Columbia,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “Workers at Purdy’s deserve a fair contract that protects their wages from inflation during uncertain economic times.”

Bell Aliant workers reach tentative agreement

HALIFAX-Unifor members at Bell Aliant reached a tentative agreement with the company on September 9, 2022.

“I want to congratulate the members and the bargaining committee for their solidarity and perseverance through these long and important negotiations,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.

Details of the collective agreement will only be released pending ratification by members of the bargaining unit. Local unions will hold ratification votes in the coming weeks.

GDI Services locks out underpaid Durham College cleaners

TORONTO —GDI Services has served illegal layoff notices to 70 Durham College campus cleaners, locking out the workers after they began strike action on August 24, 2022. 

“This callous and illegal move by GDI is designed to intimidate workers, who are predominantly low-paid women,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The company also threatened workers by telling them they would only keep their jobs if they cross their own picket line. Unifor will not allow our members to be bullied. Not now. Not ever.”

Unifor members from across the GTA support striking GDI Services workers

TORONTO —Unifor members from across the Greater Toronto Area will join striking GDI Services workers on picket lines at Durham College campuses on Tuesday, September 6, 2022.
 
“GDI is using scab workers to perform the cleaning duties of the workers who maintained health standards for students and faculty during the pandemic,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “These workers earn $16.05 an hour and are fighting for economic justice. Unifor will not tolerate the use of scabs and will utilize the full power of our union to support our striking members.”  

Bell Aliant workers to enter final week of conciliation 

HALIFAX- Unifor members at Bell Aliant are heading into the final days of bargaining Tuesday September 6, 2022.

“Unifor members at Bell Aliant have kept Atlantic Canadian connected. Their dedication to their work and solidarity across the region is strong,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “What better time to push Bell for a great contract than the week of Labour Day, when workers across our union are celebrating successes and committing to push for progress.” 

Unifor marks Labour Day with celebration of worker empowerment

TORONTO —Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, celebrates worker empowerment as members across the country gather to mark Labour Day. 

“Unifor is celebrating the fighting spirit that workers are courageously displaying across our union, across the country and all over the world,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We work our entire lives as trade union activists for the kind of moment we find ourselves in right now. A moment where we can build worker power.” 

Unifor’s Lana Payne to Minister Alghabra: Listen to workers to fix airport delays

TORONTO- Unifor National President Lana Payne wrote to Minister Alghabra today to offer clear solutions to the issues plaguing Canada’s airports with cancellations and delays.

“Aviation workers are listening intently to government, and so far the Minister has not shared an accurate description of the problem or common sense solutions. Aviation employers have cut jobs and continue to drive down wages in the industry, and it’s up to the federal government to change the rules to protect workers and travelers,” said Payne.

Unifor reaches tentative agreement with Loomis Express

TORONTO––Loomis Express workers in eight provinces have reached a tentative agreement with the company, avoiding a strike set to begin after midnight tonight. 

“This tentative agreement leverages the power of a national union to set and raise standards across the country while allowing for provincial nuances in the operations," said Lana Payne, Unifor National President."I congratulate the bargaining committee for coming together to reach a deal that addresses key concerns of members.”

First Canada workers in Vernon and Salmon Arm issue strike mandate

VERNON/SALMON ARM, BC—Unifor Local 114 members at First Canada in Vernon and the Shuswap Communities, in B.C. have voted overwhelmingly to strike if a fair collective agreement cannot be negotiated in the coming weeks.

“As we saw in the Sea to Sky region, transit workers are determined to achieve collective agreements that reflect their contribution to local economies,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director.

Bell Clerical ratifies new four-year deal

TORONTO –Unifor’s Bell Clerical and Associated Employees Bargaining Committee ratified a four-year deal with Bell Canada on Thurs., Aug. 18, 2022.

“My congratulations to the bargaining committee for fighting for our members and for making progress during a very difficult round of bargaining,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.