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Picket lines poised to go up at DHL's airport locations

February 1, 2017 Vancouver—One of Canada’s largest international parcel shipping companies has received 72-hour strike notice after bargaining between DHL and Unifor has stalled. “We’re left with no other choice if DHL won’t take concessions off the bargaining table,” said Mario Santos, Unifor National Representative. “The level of disruption that DHL is inviting for customers is unfortunate, but avoidable.” Unifor’s 800 members will be in a legal strike position as of Monday, February 6 at 12:01 a.m. E.T.

Unifor welcomes Ontario occupational disease response team

Jan. 16, 2017 Unifor welcomes news that the Ontario government will move to create a dedicated occupational disease response team, slated to be operational later in 2017. “Unifor has long advocated for recognition of occupational diseases,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Naureen Rizvi.

Unifor and Loomis Express open bargaining

January 16, 2017 VANCOUVER—Unifor and one of Canada’s largest courier companies Loomis Express will enter contract negotiations this week. Unifor says that respectful treatment of the employees, contracting out and economic issues will dominate the bargaining. “We look forward to negotiating a contract that reflects the massive contributions of workers to this company’s success and sets a more respectful working environment for the employees,” said Todd Romanow, Unifor National Representative.

Unifor Welcomes Auto Grants Announcement

TORONTO, Jan. 9, 2017 /CNW/ - Unifor welcomes an announcement from the federal and provincial governments to convert loans to the auto industry to grants.

"It is good to see Ottawa and the province recognizing the importance of the auto industry to provide much-needed good jobs and investment in our communities," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. "All levels of government must work together to show leadership and support for the auto industry."

Unifor encouraged by federal safety ruling for armoured car workers

OTTAWA, Dec. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor welcomes the Ministry of Labour's ruling to support a refusal to work by an armoured car worker, employed at Brink's Canada Limited. Today's decision backs an earlier federal Ministry of Labour ruling into the "all off" model employed by many companies in the armoured car industry. 

Unifor welcomes federal asbestos ban

TORONTO, Dec. 15, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor welcomes the implementation of a comprehensive federal asbestos ban by 2018.

"Asbestos is a known killer; this ban will save the lives of Canadian workers," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. "For years, Unifor has been fighting for this ban as a first step, and while we've stopped future use, the government must continue the work to address damage that has already been done in terms of health and the environment."

/R E P E A T -- Unifor school bus drivers hold rally/

TORONTO, Dec. 14, 2016 /CNW/ - School bus drivers with the Toronto public and Catholic school boards will hold a rally Thursday to demand that First Student honour the collective agreement it signed with Unifor just over a month ago.

Unifor school bus drivers hold rally

TORONTO, Dec. 14, 2016 /CNW/ - School bus drivers with the Toronto public and Catholic school boards will hold a rally Thursday to demand that First Student honour the collective agreement it signed with Unifor just over a month ago.

Brennan: AIMS study on Atlantic Canadian austerity deeply flawed

TORONTO, Dec. 14, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor economist Jordan Brennan released a response to the report on Atlantic Canadian austerity issued by the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies (AIMS) citing its findings as 'deeply flawed' and 'misleading'.

Unifor, CN and Indspire collaborate to support Indigenous education

TORONTO, Dec. 2, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor and CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI), in cooperation with registered charity Indspire, have established a scholarship and bursary program for Indigenous students, with the goal of advancing the academic outcomes of Indigenous post-secondary students across Canada.

Unifor to hold Ontario Regional Council

TORONTO, Dec. 2, 2016 /CNW/ - More than 900 Unifor members, representing Locals from across Ontario, will participate in Unifor's Ontario Regional Council, December 2-4, 2016, at the Sheraton Centre, 123 Queen St W, Toronto.

Delegates will discuss, debate and vote on priorities to chart political action and social justice campaigns for the next year.

Conference keynote speakers include:

Report on electoral reform a betrayal: Unifor

TORONTO, Dec. 1, 2016 /CNW/ - Today's report on electoral reform calling for a referendum will only delay much-needed changes to our voting system that Canadians were promised and have been clear in wanting, Unifor says.

Unifor calls for expanded local news and ethnic programming

GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 30, 2016 /CNW/ - Appearing before the CRTC as it discusses the future of local TV news in Canada, Unifor called for strong measures to boost local news programming, including calling for restoration of expanded programming in Italian, Punjabi, Cantonese and Mandarin.

Kinder Morgan decision disappointing: Unifor

VANCOUVER, Nov. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - A decision by the federal government to approve the Trans Mountain Expansion Project is disappointing, Canada's largest union in the private sector says, vowing to continue to speak out on the pipeline.

"The evidence on Kinder Morgan has been very clear from the beginning. The expansion provides too much risk to justify going ahead," said Joie Warnock, Unifor Western Regional Director.

Strike over at Niagara on the Lake parts plant

ST. CATHARINES, Nov. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - A two-week strike at Industrial Management Group in Niagara on the Lake is over after Unifor Local 199 reached a tentative agreement with the employer that was ratified by the membership.

Good Jobs Roundtable meets with federal ministers

OTTAWA, Nov. 28, 2016 /CNW/ - A unique roundtable group of labour, business, student and community leaders met today with senior members of the federal cabinet to discuss ways to create more good jobs in this country.

"Today's meeting shows what is possible when we work together," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias, who chaired the day-long meeting of the roundtable.

Unifor members ratify agreement with WECDSB

WINDSOR, ON, Nov. 19, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor support workers at the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board have ratified a new collective agreement, bringing a five-week work stoppage to an end.

"Our members are pleased to be returning on Monday to resume frontline work to aid students and provide a safe and healthy school environment," said Unifor Local 2458 President Bruce Dickie.

Toronto, York school bus contract ratified

TORONTO, Nov. 10, 2016 /CNW/ - School bus drivers in Toronto and York Region, members of Unifor Local 4268, ratified a new collective agreement setting new standards that could help avoid driver shortages if more widely adopted.

Spying on journalists should never be easy, says Unifor's Jerry Dias

TORONTO, Nov. 10, 2016 /CNW/ - The country's top media union is calling for strict measures to restrict the ability of police to put journalists under surveillance.

"It is too easy to spy on journalists in Canada and impede freedom of the press in Canada," says Unifor President Jerry Dias.

Unifor workers at Food Basics ratify contract

TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor members of Local 414 at 20 Food Basics stores in communities across Ontario ratified a new four-year collective agreement by 79 per cent. Votes were held in various locations from October 30 to November 6.

Brad Wall targets Moose Jaw for more unnecessary layoffs

MOOSE JAW, Nov. 7, 2016 /CNW/ - The lives of more Moose Jaw residents have been turned upside down by layoffs, thanks to Premier Brad Wall. Twenty-one workers at SaskTel were given notice this afternoon.

"When will it stop? This is a vibrant community that suffers every time good jobs vanish," said Joie Warnock, Unifor Western Director. "There is no justification for moving this work away from Moose Jaw."

Unifor autoworkers ratify agreement with Ford

TORONTO, Nov. 6, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor concludes negotiations with the Detroit Three automakers, after members ratify a four-year contract with Ford securing $713 million in investment, new product, more than 500 jobs, and wage improvements.

Federal transportation infrastructure strategy must pass "good jobs test"

MONTREAL, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - The federal government's new strategy for transportation infrastructure should be judged on the good jobs and public value it creates, says Unifor.

"We welcome renewal of vital infrastructure, but the government's top priority has to be good job creation and public ownership," said Unifor National President, Jerry Dias. "The onus is on Minister Garneau to demonstrate how this plan will generate more good jobs and long-term value for Canadians."

School bus strike averted

TORONTO, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor, the union representing school bus drivers at the Toronto and York public and Catholic school boards reached a tentative agreement with First Student bus company, averting a strike or lockout.

School bus union waiting to resume talks

TORONTO, Nov. 2, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor, the union representing school bus drivers for both the Toronto public and Catholic school boards, says it is waiting at the table to negotiate with First Student bus company as the strike or lockout deadline approaches.  

Toronto school bus driver contract talks continue

TORONTO, Nov. 1, 2016 /CNW/ - School bus drivers for both the Toronto public and Catholic school boards continue contract talks with First Student Bus Company ahead of a strike or lockout deadline Thursday.

"In a year when both boards were hit with driver shortages, it is more important than ever that we reach a deal that will help to both recruit and retain drivers in this city," said Unifor Local 4268 President Deb Montgomery.

Unifor locks-in pattern with Ford

TORONTO, Nov. 1, 2016 /CNW/ - On the verge of a strike, Unifor reaches a tentative agreement with Ford to secure its Canadian manufacturing footprint and reinforce the economic pattern established with General Motors (GM).

Unifor welcomes proactive approach to transport safety

TORONTO, Oct. 31, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor, representing 46,000 members in the transportation sector, welcomes today's call by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) for a more proactive approach to safety across the nation's transportation network.