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Unifor inaugural Atlantic Regional Council convenes in Halifax

HALIFAX, April 2, 2014 /CNW/ - Unifor local leaders and activists from across the Atlantic Provinces will gather at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax from April 3 to 6 to meet as a regional council for the first time since the formation of the union. Over 250 delegates will meet to strategize about campaigns and elect their Atlantic Executive Board and committees.

Unifor outlines vision for collective bargaining with Toyota

CAMBRIDGE, ON, April 1, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, Unifor released a "Charter" outlining the changes Toyota team members want at their workplace - and how Unifor would address team members' primary concerns.

Yesterday, Unifor announced that it has applied to be the bargaining agent for team members at Toyota. Team members will likely vote next week.

Employees struggle as bargaining continues at RA Centre

OTTAWA, March 28, 2014 /CNW/ - Bargaining has stalled between Unifor local 4270 and the employer at The Recreation Association of the Public Service of Canada. The Recreation Association has two bargaining units, with one side having been recently organized. The employer initially refused to bargain with the newly-organized unit, but presented a final offer for both groups and applied to the Ministry of Labour for a vote. 

Ruling upholds ban on Suncor drug and alcohol testing program

FORT MCMURRAY, AB, March 26, 2014 /CNW/ - A majority of an Arbitration Panel has ruled that the random drug and alcohol testing of all employees at a Suncor site outside of Fort McMurray violates the fundamental rights of workers to privacy, respect, and dignity in the workplace and cannot be justified in the circumstances.

Unifor calls on Minister Raitt to negotiate with truckers

VANCOUVER, March 25, 2014 /CNW/ - The union representing container truck drivers in Vancouver is calling on federal Minister of Transportation Lisa Raitt to get to the bargaining table immediately to negotiate a sustainable solution to the Port of Metro Vancouver dispute.

Sobey's lays off 50 in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG, March 17, 2014 /CNW/ - The consolidation of Sobey's Winnipeg cheese and ice cream operations will cost 50 employees their jobs, Unifor Local 468 was informed today.

"It's always disappointing to learn about layoffs in the name of cost-cutting at a profitable firm like Sobey's," said Scott Doherty, Unifor's Western Director.

United Church of Canada Recognizes Need for Clergy Solidarity

TORONTO, March 17, 2014 /CNW/ - The United Church of Canada has recognized the need for its ministers to have an organization of solidarity and representation of their own, as revealed by a church report just released. Two weeks after the launch of Unifaith Community Chapter, a Unifor union for United Church faith workers, the Church recommends there should be an Association of Ministers, a first in its 90-year history.

Unifor National Union has not taken position on jets at Toronto Island Airport

TORONTO, March 13, 2014 /CNW/ - "Unifor, as a national union, has not taken a position regarding the use of jet aircraft at the Toronto Island Airport," said National Union President Jerry Dias.

Today Unifor Local 112 expressed its support for Porter Airlines' proposal to operate the Bombardier jets out of the Toronto Island Airport.

Atlantic's largest forestry union applauds long-term plan for sector

FREDERICTON, March 13, 2014 /CNW/ - The long-anticipated forestry plan for New Brunswick was met with approval from Atlantic Canada's largest forestry union. Unifor represents over 2,550 workers in the forestry sector in New Brunswick and over 25,000 across Canada.

Canadian Auto Industry threatened by Free Trade deal with Korea

TORONTO, March 11, 2014 /CNW/ - Prime Minister Stephen Harper's announcement, in South Korea, of a free trade agreement between Canada and South Korea poses a serious threat to Canada's auto industry, says Unifor, Canada's largest union in the private sector.

Free trade with South Korea a threat

TORONTO, March 10, 2014 /CNW/ - Free trade with South Korea is an unneeded challenge for Canada's auto sector just as it is getting back on solid footing, Canada's largest union in the private sector says.

Media Advisory - High-level meetings set to begin with government and Unifor truck drivers

VANCOUVER, March 6, 2014 /CNW/ - Unionized container truck drivers who service the Port of Metro Vancouver will begin discussions with mediator Vince Ready this morning to avert a strike. Unifor lobbied successfully to get Ready appointed to guide negotiations, but there is still work to do to resolve the truck drivers' long-standing concerns.

Chrysler decision shows need for auto strategy: Unifor

TORONTO, March 4, 2014 /CNW/ - The decision by Chrysler to withdraw its request for financial assistance from the federal and provincial governments as part of its proposals to invest in its assembly plants in Brampton and Windsor is regrettable, Unifor National President Jerry Dias says.

Vancouver container truck drivers serve strike notice

VANCOUVER, March 3, 2014 /CNW/ - Unifor has served 72-hour notice of legal strike action on behalf of its container truck driver members in Vancouver. A strike will commence if agreement on the outstanding issues cannot be reached by Thursday, March 6 at noon.

Vancouver truckers vote 100% in favour of a strike

NEW WESTMINSTER, BC, March 1, 2014 /CNW/ - Members of Unifor-Vancouver Container Truckers' Association (VCTA) voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action this morning. Truckers cited a lack of progress at the bargaining table for taking the vote.

"Our members have sent a very clear message: enough is enough," said Paul Johal, President of Unifor-VCTA.

Unifor: Canada Job Grants deal overdue

OTTAWA, Feb. 28, 2014 /CNW/ - Word that provinces will not have to cut existing job training programs to access the federal government's Canada Job Grant program is a welcome step forward, Canada's largest union in the private sector says.

"We need more job programs so that our youth can get a start in life, not fewer, and we certainly don't need one program cannibalizing one another," Unifor National President Jerry Dias said.

Heinz deal highlights positive role of government

TORONTO, Feb. 27, 2014 /CNW/ - Today's announcement that more than a third of the jobs at the Heinz plant in Leamington, Ontario, will be saved shows what can happen when all stakeholders work together - and the positive role government can play in securing good jobs, Unifor National President Jerry Dias says.