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Mississauga Walmart workers join Unifor

TORONTO—Workers at Walmart’s Mississauga warehouse have voted to join Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union. It is Walmart’s first warehouse to unionize in Canada.

"This victory is the result of uniting around a belief in workplace democracy and better working conditions,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Walmart workers in Mississauga stood up for their rights, and we are excited to get to work on their first collective agreement.”

Best Theratronics workers’ voices get louder for employer to get back to the table as strike hits 19-week mark

KANATA, ONT.—Unifor members on strike at Best Theratronics held a rally today outside of the Kanata facility, continuing to stand in solidarity to demand their employer stop violating laws and return to the bargaining table.

“Nothing makes my blood boil more than when employers threaten workers’ livelihoods, blatantly violate labour laws, and refuse to respect workers right to a union. This is Canada. Workers have rights,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Major wage gains for Unifor members at the Hotel Grand Pacific

VICTORIA—Wages will increase at least 16.3% over the next three years thanks to a new collective agreement ratified this evening by members of Unifor Local 114 at the Hotel Grand Pacific.

“Unifor members are setting a high standard in the hospitality sector,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We look forward to building on what Local 114 has achieved at the Hotel Grand Pacific.”

Unifor files application to represent workers at Walmart warehouse

TORONTO—Workers at Walmart in Mississauga are one step closer to forming a strong union in their workplace after Unifor filed an application today to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB).

"Workers at Walmart deserve greater job security, health and safety protections, and fair wages,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Today is an important step towards these goals.”

Unifor welcomes necessary federal tariff on Chinese EV

TORONTO—Unifor welcomes the federal government decision to impose an additional 100% tariff on all new energy vehicles imported from China as well as a new 25% tariff on imports of steel and aluminum.

Unifor members ratify new contract with HCL Logistics

LONDON—Members of Unifor Local 27 secured wage increase in a new collective agreement ratified August 9 with the warehousing firm HCL Logistics, ending an 18-day strike. 

“Local 27’s fight for fairness has resulted in a contract that ensures wages and working conditions keep up with Ontario’s rising costs of living,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

The three-year contract increases wages by more than 17% by 2027. The agreement also improves health and safety procedures and augments the boot allowance. 

Unifor and communities join forces to save Téminscaming plant

On August 8th, Unifor Local 233 organized a huge solidarity barbecue in Témiscaming in support of the workers affected by the brutal closure of the RYAM high-purity cellulose plant. The gathering, intended to denounce the unexpected closure, turned into a peaceful blockade of the Ontario-Quebec border, illustrating the deep frustration and determination of the employees and their supporters.

Hotel workers at Residence Inn in Vancouver deliver strike notice

VANCOUVER— Hotel workers at the Residence Inn in Vancouver have given their employer 72-hour strike notice, following a 100% strike vote and weeks of contract negotiations over fair wages, lighter workloads, and improved benefits.

“The union members at the Residence Inn could not be more serious when it comes to fighting for fair wages that reflect the high cost of living in the Lower Mainland,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. 

Unifor urges all levels of government to ensure sustainable funding for BC transit

VANCOUVER— Unifor is calling on all levels of government to collaborate and ensure adequate public funding for BC's public transit systems. 

"We need strategic collaboration to fund public transit to keep our cities moving and to support good union jobs," said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. "Governments must work together to solve this funding crisis and protect our transit systems."

Global News layoffs magnify news deserts across Canada

TORONTO – Unifor is deeply concerned after Corus Entertainment Inc. – which owns Global News – announced job cuts that will affect Unifor media workers and journalists across the country.

“Every time an announcement like this comes in the media sector, it’s both heartbreaking and boils my blood,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

Unifor members at GATX Rail ratify new agreement

RED DEER, AB – Members of Unifor Local 21-A at GATX Rail Canada in Red Deer, Alberta, have ratified a new four-year collective agreement with the company.

"This agreement reflects Unifor’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of our members," said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. "The wage increases, enhanced benefits, and improved pensions are a testament to the strength and solidarity of our union."

Unifor members ratify new collective agreement with Shell

EDMONTON—Wage increases and a plan to move the Scotford refinery’s contract more in line with the Unifor Energy Bargaining Program are highlights of a four-year collective agreement ratified by Local 530-A members.

“I want to congratulate our members on standing up to a powerful employer and getting an incredible contract,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Achieving these gains was only possible because our members stood shoulder to shoulder to achieve fairness, and move all energy workers forward.”