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Unifor holds rally for MDA Space workers on strike

BRAMPTON—Workers and community supporters rallied today at the MDA Space headquarters in Brampton, Ontario where workers have been on strike for the past five weeks, fighting for a fair contract. 

Unifor applauds court decision that City of Ottawa ‘abandoned’ taxi drivers by giving into Uber

OTTAWA– Unifor applauds yesterday’s Ontario Superior Court ruling that the City of Ottawa was negligent in enforcing its taxi bylaw when it allowed Uber to illegally operate in 2014 for two years, effectively harming the taxi industry – many of whom are Unifor members.

“Hard-working, established taxi drivers in Ottawa finally have some justice after being abandoned by their city, who succumbed to the whims of multinational tech giants,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Unifor members vote overwhelmingly in favor of a strike mandate at SOPFEU

QUEBEC-Firefighters working for the Société de protection des forêts contre le feu (SOPFEU) across Quebec have voted 99% in favour of a strike as negotiations have stagnated since their previous contract expired on January 1, 2023.

SOPFEU forest firefighters negotiated non-monetary language in individual local negotiations which concluded in February 2024, and then all six local unions bargained as one unit to negotiate wages, meeting with the employer over the course of a dozen days. 

Unifor supports students and teachers in struggle against Scott Moe

REGINA—The Scott Moe government’s refusal to address class size and complexity in public schools is more evidence that it’s time for change, says Unifor.

“Unifor stands with Saskatchewan’s teachers in their fight for justice and a fair collective agreement,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Teachers are trying their best to improve the public education in Saskatchewan, but the Sask Party government refuses to invest in public schools.”

Unifor denounces Rayonier’s abandonment of Témiscaming and lack of response from Quebec government

Témiscaming– Unifor is expressing its consternation following the press release published on May 7 by Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM), justifying the suspension of its activities at its cellulose plant in Témiscaming, Quebec. RYAM acknowledged that this decision is about demonstrating, among other things, that the site and its various processes can be operated separately with the goal of facilitating its bid to sell the business, which the company initiated last fall.

Nestle workers go on strike after bitter pensions offer from employer

TORONTO—Workers at Nestle have decided to strike over a lack of improvements to their pension plan. Also at issue is the time it takes workers to get to the top rate of pay.

“Nestle workers in the past have gone on strike over pension contributions and again, it’s at the crux of this dispute,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Retirement security is very important to our members, and you throw an affordability crisis on top of that, and it’s no wonder our members are determined to fight here.”

Forced overtime, pensions and benefits at WM leads to strike

STONEY CREEK—Unifor members working at Waste Management Canada Corp. (WM) began strike action on May 2, 2024. Major issues with the employer include forced overtime and lack of work-life-balance.

“Our dedicated members handle the tough job of ensuring commercial businesses have their garbage and recycling collected and removed in a safety-sensitive environment,” said Local 4268 President Debbie Montgomery.

Best Theratronics workers go on strike after company’s 0% offer

KANATA, Ont.—Members of Unifor Local 1541 who work at Best Theratronics – a company in Kanata, Ont. that manufactures medical devices – went on strike this morning after the company refused to budge on major concessions, including a proposed two-year contract with zero wage increases.

“We are dealing with an affordability crisis right now and having zeros on the table is untenable for our members, with the rising cost of living,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Workers at Gibraltar mine vote to strike

WILLIAMS LAKE—Members of Unifor Local 3018 have voted 98% in favour of taking legal strike action against Gibraltar Mines if a fair settlement cannot be reached in May 2024.

“The employer’s bargaining committee must get serious about resolving key outstanding issues if it wants to avoid strike action,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. 

Critical EV battery investment helps secure Canada’s auto future

TORONTO – Critical multi-government investment for new Honda Canada electric vehicle, battery and battery material facilities will further bolster Canada’s auto sector and help secure and grow jobs across the value chain. 

The projected $15 billion investment to assemble new electric vehicles, build a new battery cell plant in Alliston, Ontario alongside additional joint venture battery component and material facilities in Ontario is expected to create an estimated 1,000 new, direct jobs. 

Unifor protests to demand $10 million in monies owed to Wescast workers

WINGHAM—Today, Unifor members rallied outside the Wescast plant in Wingham, Ontario. The protest is in response to Wescast Industries continued refusal to pay approximately $10 million in severance and termination pay owed to workers who were laid off in 2023 following the Company’s decision to cease foundry operations. 

NAV Canada threatens workers with use of scabs

As the Canadian Air Navigation Specialists Association (CANSA) at Unifor Local 1016 continued to negotiate with NAV Canada on the Maintenance of Activities in the event of a legal strike and/or lock-out to protect the Canadian travelling public, the company has advised the local it plans to use scab labour. 

GreenShield workers ratify new contract that protects them from outsourcing and boosts job security

WINDSOR – Unifor members at GreenShield Canada look forward to returning to work after ratifying a new three-year contract by 92% in Windsor and 91% in Toronto with the company, ending a strike that began on March 1.

“I am so very proud of this bargaining committee and these members for standing up and fighting to protect good jobs for women for today and into the future,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We can’t advance equality in this country without the power of trade union women fighting on all fronts.”

Budget 2024 delivers social progress to help Canadians weather economic headwinds

OTTAWA –Unifor recognizes the federal government for delivering a budget that pushes social progress and jobs in the face of economic inequities, relentless affordability pressures and stubbornly high interest rates.

“Working people in Canada have been struggling with an affordability crisis, exacerbated by the Bank of Canada’s stubborn refusal to lower interest rates,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Unifor reaches tentative agreement with Dominion

ST. JOHN’S–Unifor reached a tentative agreement with Loblaw-owned Dominion stores in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Details of the tentative agreement will first be shared with Dominion members of Unifor Local 597 in a series of ratification meetings to be scheduled in the coming days.

Unifor represents more than 1,600 Dominion grocery workers at 11 stores across the island of Newfoundland.

Unifor reaches tentative agreement with GreenShield

WINDSOR – Unifor members on strike at GreenShield Canada have reached a tentative deal with the company.

Members from Unifor locals 240 in Windsor and 673 in Toronto began strike action on March 1 over key issues of job security and contracting out.

The ratification meetings in Windsor and Toronto are scheduled Wed., April 17. 

No details will be released until after the ratification meeting.

There are over 580 union members in Windsor and 24 union members at Local 673 in Toronto.