All News

Unifor holds People’s Trade Town Hall in Windsor

June 26, 2018

WINDSOR – Unifor invites community members to a People’s Trade Town Hall in Windsor, Ontario on Wednesday June 27, 2018.

“Trade is an issue that impacts all of us – every worker, and every community. This is especially evident as the U.S. escalates a trade war with attacks on Canadian industries including auto, steel and aluminum,”said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.

WHAT: Unifor People’s Trade Town Hall

Nova Scotia hospital closures leave many unanswered questions

June 25, 2018

SYDNEY – Today’s government announcement that two acute care hospitals will close and be replaced by community health centres in Cape Breton has caused much concern for residents and Unifor members in Nova Scotia.

“While Unifor welcomes any changes that would improve health services in Cape Breton, we are cautious with this announcement as the history of health care reform by this liberal government hasn’t been exactly positive,” said Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Lana Payne.

Unifor members ratify collective agreements with Bombardier

June 24, 2018

TORONTO – Members of two Unifor locals working at Bombardier Aerospace in Downsview ratified collective agreements, strengthening their pensions and job security.

“Unifor members at both locals 112 and 673 identified job security as their key priority for this round of bargaining,” said Jerry Dias Unifor National President. “By strengthening job commitment language, this contract will provide members with greater job security for the future. ” 

Unifor locals reach tentative agreements with Bombardier

June 23, 2018

TORONTO – Two Unifor locals representing workers at the Bombardier Aerospace plant in Downsview have reached tentative agreements. Both agreements are scheduled for ratification on Sunday.

“This was a tough round of negotiations and I'm very proud of the skill shown by our bargaining committees in securing these tentative agreements,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias, who began his career at the plant and was active in the negotiations.

We need to listen, and act, as political times change

The challenge ahead for the labour movement and progressive voters is great.

Doug Ford’s election as premier of Ontario marked a significant change in the politics of the province, and the country. Ford stands for policies that are opposed by the labour movement and by progressive voters across the Canada.

Here is no downplaying the challenge of trying to pursue progressive policies while the Ford Conservatives are in power.

We have been here before, however. We know how to do this.

New tentative agreement reached at Halifax Shipyard

June 20, 2019

HALIFAX – Unifor MWF 1 has reached a new tentative agreement with Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax.

No details will be disclosed about this new tentative agreement until the union has had an opportunity to present the agreement to the membership.

Unifor Local MWF 1 represents more than 800 members who proudly build vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy.

Out of respect for the collective bargaining process, the union will have no further comment until members have voted on this agreement.

Unifor calls on Trump to end “zero tolerance” migration policy

Calls to end "zero tolerance" migration policy that has resulted in the separation of migrant children and parents at the southern United States border continue to grow. Unifor supports the call to end the “zero tolerance” migration policy and urges the Canadian government to lend its voice to the condemnation of a practice that places children in danger and at serious risk of permanent and irreversible harm. 

Bargaining Preparation Underway for Council of Nursing Unions

The Nova Scotia Council of Nursing Unions completed two days of discussion on Friday, June 15 to prepare bargaining proposals.


The Council discussed bargaining priorities and collective agreements from Unifor, NSGEU, CUPE, and NSNU in acute care. The team is reviewing contract language for all nurses, in all categories, to reach consensus on what to preserve, what to expand upon and what compromises may be required.

Unifor reaches tentative agreement with Catalyst Paper

June 16, 2018
VANCOUVER – A new four-year tentative agreement has been reached between Catalyst Paper and Unifor, representing approximately 750 workers in British Columbia.
“This agreement achieves the pattern bargaining goals that Unifor set for the western pulp sector, which is helping to raise standards across the board,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. "I congratulate the bargaining committee on obtaining a fair deal in these very challenging times for the Canadian pulp and paper industry.”

Strike delayed as talks resume with Irving Shipbuilding

June 15, 2018

HALIFAX - Members of Unifor MWF 1 have agreed to postpone job action and return to the bargaining table with Irving Shipbuilding on Monday June 18, 2018.

"Irving has informed us they are prepared to make a good faith effort to address some of the concerns raised by our members so on this basis we will extend the strike deadline and return to the table,” said Adam Hersey, Business Agent for Unifor Local MWF 1, which represents more than 800 members who proudly build vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy.

Compass mine refuses to bargain

June 14, 2018

GODERICH—Despite Unifor’s efforts to reach a fair settlement, Compass Minerals refuses to bargain unless miners accept all of its concessions.

“Mandatory overtime is not safe and cutting pension benefits is not in the best interests of workers,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Miners make this mine work, and they deserve a fair deal.”

Mandatory workplace drug and alcohol testing case sent back to arbitration

June 14, 2018

OTTAWA—Today Unifor learned that the Supreme Court of Canada will not be hearing Unifor’s case regarding random drug and alcohol testing.

As a result, the union’s grievance will be re-heard by a new arbitration panel. Unifor is confident that it will prevail before the new arbitration panel.

"There is no evidence that random testing improves safety," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "Unifor is committed to reliable methods to keep our members safe on the job while respecting their dignity."

Union representatives available to discuss pending strike at Irving Shipyard

June 14, 2018

HALIFAX - Representatives Unifor local MWF 1, which served 48 hour strike notice last night will hold a news conference to discuss the labour dispute with Irving Shipbuilding. No other interviews will be done until this time.
What:         Unifor Local MWF 1 News Conference
When:         2 pm Thursday June 14, 2018
Where:     2nd floor Boardroom, 63 Otter Lake Court, Halifax
Who:     Adam Hersey, Business Agent, Chad Johnston, Unifor National Representative