On this International Human Rights Day, Unifor reaffirms our commitment to standing with workers, communities, and people around the world in the ongoing fight for dignity, equality, and justice for all. This day is a time to reflect on both the progress we have made and the significant work still ahead of us to protect the rights and freedoms of all people, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances.
Unifor Council 4000 and Local 100 CN Master Bargaining Committees are pleased to announce that a tentative agreement has been reached with CN, following extensive bargaining focused on securing meaningful gains for members.
Ratification votes will be held in the coming weeks, with specific schedules to be shared through local union representatives.
Unifor National President Lana Payne didn’t hold back when it comes to Donald Trump and the uncertainty and fallout his U.S. presidency could have on Canadian workers.
In her address on the second day of Ontario Regional Council – held Dec. 6 and 7, 2024 in Toronto – Payne said the world is a very different place even since delegates last met at Canadian Council in Montreal in September.
Unifor Local 103 members at Ontario Northland, DSI, Gateway Cascades Casino, and Dyno Nobel hosted its 30th annual toy drive on December 5, a tradition of giving back to Northern Ontario communities through a partnership with Low-Income Peoples Involvement (LIPI).
This year’s drive marks three decades of solidarity between LIPI and Unifor, dating back to an 88-day lock-out of former Canadian Auto Workers in 1994.
TORONTO—Unifor is alleging Walmart punished workers with a wage freeze after they formed a union earlier this month. The union is calling on the retail giant to stop the anti-union tactics and treat all their workers with respect.
“Exercising your basic rights is not a punishable offence in a democracy,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The spike in unionization at Walmart facilities in Canada is evidence that workers at Walmart are ready to improve their job security, wages, and working conditions.”
Rob Moquin, a former paramedic and now a Unifor National Staff Representative, delivered a powerful speech today during the Situation Critical: Ongoing Crisis in Paramedic Services Sparks Call for Action media conference at Queen’s Park. He spoke about the devastating impact of staffing shortages on paramedics and the communities they serve.
Unifor stands in solidarity with Korean trade unions in defence of democracy.
Unifor stands in full support and solidarity with labour unions across South Korea in the wake of protests against sitting President Yoon Suk Yeol and his attempt to subvert democracy and impose martial law in the country.
Originally published in the Toronto Star December 2, 2024
By Lana Payne, Contributor
Lana Payne is the national president of Unifor.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has threatened Canada with 25 per cent tariffs on all goods shipped to the United States as one of his first acts when he assumes power in January.
WHISTLER—More than 200 Unifor leaders and delegates gathered in Whistler for the 2024 B.C. Regional Council to discuss key issues facing B.C.’s workers and make strategic plans for the future.
B.C. Regional Chairperson Leanne Marsh opened the meeting and introduced the cultural ambassadors from the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre who provided a welcome to unceded Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Lil̓wat7úl territories.
“Recent Developments Concerning the Canada–United States Softwood Lumber Trade Dispute”
Good morning, members of the Standing Committee on International Trade, members of Parliament, and guests. My name is Lana Payne and I am President of Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, with more than 320,000 members across the country, working in every major sector of the Canadian economy.
VANCOUVER—Two of the country’s largest pulp and paper unions, Unifor and the Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC), have selected Kruger, Inc. in Kamloops, B.C. as the target to establish pattern bargaining across the forestry sector in Western Canada.
Shortages of ambulances and dangerous wait times are just two consequences of a province-wide staffing crisis in the province’s paramedic services. Despite repeated calls for action, the Ford government has never taken the steps needed to ensure adequate paramedic services for Ontario residents.
Now Ontario New Democrats and four unions that represent thousands of Ontario paramedics are demanding the Ford government act to address longstanding issues in the sector.
To show support for Best Theratronics workers who have endured a Grinch of a boss this year, Operation Christmas Cheer came by the Kanata picket line on Dec. 2, 2024, to help striking workers get through the upcoming holidays.
The Journey Podcast with special guest Manitoba Premier, Wab Kinew The Spotlight: Warehouse Workers Unite! Inspiration and Wisdom from Marshall Ganz Organizing WINS in 2024
TORONTO—Unifor is pleased to hear today’s long-awaited federal government commitment to fund new Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway cars, with the union’s expectation that the investment will result in good jobs at the Alstom plant in Thunder Bay.
“This critical investment is the final piece of the puzzle needed to build much-needed subway cars for Toronto transit riders that can sustain hundreds of manufacturing and spin-off jobs,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
The 239 members of Local 414 have ratified a new three-year agreement with their foodservice employer Dexterra at the University of Toronto Mississauga campus.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for fighting for a fair contract for our hospitality members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
Unifor members gathered in Montreal for the 2024 Canada Council meeting to celebrate important organizing, bargaining, and political victories as well as strategize on the best way to defend workers' rights.
Accessibility
Documents can be requested in alternative/accessible formats by emailing communications@unifor.org
