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Offshore workers call on government to stabilize industry

September 16, 2020

ST. JOHN’S—Hundreds of workers in the offshore oil and gas industry rallied at the Newfoundland and Labrador legislature today to demand protection from the turbulence in the industry caused by falling global oil prices and the COVID-19 economic slump.

Unifor welcomes restoration of normal aluminum trade with the U.S.

September 15, 2020

TORONTO—Canada’s aluminum workers welcomed the removal of unfair U.S. tariffs and credit the federal government’s strong response for today’s win.

“This dispute was no doubt resolved thanks to the stance taken by Justin Trudeau’s government and the efforts led by Chrystia Freeland and Mary Ng,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “It was the impending countermeasures that helped U.S. trade representatives realize that Canada was not going to take this lying down.”

Unifor calls for review of container trucking black market

August 27, 2020

VANCOUVER—Lack of proper monitoring and enforcement of “off-dock” trucking shipments threatens the livelihoods of all law-abiding Port Metro Vancouver container truckers and demands action, says Unifor.

“When there’s no enforcement, unscrupulous businesses will create a black market,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Under illegal markets legitimate businesses suffer, workers lose their jobs, and government quickly loses control. Truckers are demanding justice.”

School bus drivers call for standardized COVID-19 safety protocols

August 25, 2020 TORONTO – Unifor school bus driver members are calling on the Ontario government to implement standardized COVID-19 safety protocols in order to protect both themselves and the students onboard. “Drivers are very concerned about pandemic safety measures, or lack thereof, that are supposed to come into effect in just a few short weeks,” said Debbie Montgomery, President of Unifor Local 4268.

Dominion workers on strike in Newfoundland

August 22, 2020

ST. JOHN’S– Unifor Local 597 members at Dominion grocery stores across Newfoundland will begin strike action at 10:01 p.m. Saturday August 22, 2020. 

"Our Dominion members do not take this decision lightly. They would much rather be serving their communities but as frontline workers they felt they could not accept the contract put forth by the company," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias.

Dominion workers vote on tentative agreement

Unifor Local 597, representing Dominion workers at Newfoundland grocery locations, will announce the result of the ratification vote on the tentative agreement offered by Loblaw Companies Limited at 10:00 p.m. NDT on Saturday August 22, 2020.

Hospitality and gaming workers applaud EI changes

The new Employment Insurance measures introduced yesterday by the federal government will no doubt have an incredibly positive impact on workers in the hospitality and gaming sectors, says Unifor.

Unifor welcomes Employment Insurance modernization

August 20, 2020

TORONTO—Sweeping changes to Employment Insurance (EI) announced today will reduce barriers to qualify and increase the minimum benefit.

“It is important that the transition from the CERB be seamless and painless for workers who have not regained employment,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Today’s changes address many of the problems we’ve helped identify for the federal government.”

Unifor members ratify major gains at Residence Inn

VANCOUVER—Members of Unifor Local 433 voted 96 per cent in favour of a new four-year contract that improves the recall notice for laid off workers.

“The hospitality industry has struggled during the pandemic, but Unifor members have worked hard to fight for their rights to be recalled fairly,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Unifor collective agreements help ensure income security and lead the hospitality industry.”