December 18th marks UN International Migrants Day, a day where we recognize not only the challenges faced by migrants around the world, but the vital contributions they make every day, both in our communities and workplaces.
Unifor Local 302 members employed at Marshall Gowland Manor have in Sarnia, Ontario overwhelmingly voted 97 per cent in favour of ratifying their new collective.
"From the outset of our bargaining efforts, our top priority has always been the well-being of our members," said Rusty Sproul, Local 302 Treasurer. "This agreement not only secures the livelihoods of our 142 dedicated members, but also establishes a promising foundation for future negotiations."
VANCOUVER – Unifor has submitted a 72-hour strike notice to Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) after Local 114 transit workers voted to reject a tentative agreement.
The strike deadline is 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Local 114’s contract with PWTransit expired March 31, 2023.
PWT is contracted by BC Transit to provide services in Campbell River and Comox Valley, B.C. and work as transit operators, handy dart operators, mechanics, and cleaners.
This past year, Unifor members have faced more strikes and lockouts than at any time in the union’s 10-year history.
Making the decision to go on strike is a difficult one for workers. It takes an emotional and financial toll on individuals and families. It’s a measure of last resort, and for good reason. That’s why strikes occur in less than two percent of union contract negotiations.
This month, the federal government, with crucial backing from the NDP, tabled Bill C-58.
CALGARY—Representatives from Unifor’s energy local unions have ratified the tentative agreement that establishes the pattern for more than 7,500 members of the union’s National Energy Program.
“I congratulate the bargaining committee on setting this new pattern for our members across the energy sector,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “It was a difficult round of bargaining making it all the more important for locals to work together in order to make progress for our energy members.”
This is the 75th year since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights came to life. Given the state of the world today, these rights and the leadership and inspiration behind them have never been more needed.
VANCOUVER – Unifor members working at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) in Comox Valley and Campbell River, B.C. have reached a tentative deal with the employer.
A ratification vote is scheduled to take place Sunday, Dec. 10.
More details about the contract will be released following ratification.
Local 114’s contract with PWT expired March 31, 2023.
KINCARDINE—More than 120 Unifor members at Sobeys Kincardine could be on strike effective 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 7 if the employer, who profited $261 million last quarter alone, does not come to the table with a fair agreement. “Our union is here to deliver improvements in pay and working conditions across the board for grocery workers,” says Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “We expect Sobeys to do as Metro and Loblaws have done and meet our members’ expectations. ”
Unifor marked its 10th anniversary in 2023 and as we reach the end of the year, we look back at how far we've come and how much stronger we are now. Solidarity, and here's to the next ten years together.
Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer provides remarks to ORC 2023 delegates to discuss important campaigns to create good jobs and our union’s significant role in combating corporate greed and profiteering.
“We will not tolerate a company that prioritizes profit over people, that values division over unity, and that disregards the mental health and morale of its workforce.”
Samia Hashi, Unifor Ontario Regional Director, shares heartfelt remarks to hundreds of delegates at ORC 2023.
“We’ve already made a lot of history this year with consecutive bargaining wins, underdogs winning against corporate bullies and the growing power of workers across this country. And I know the next year will be even bigger and bolder.”
Unifor members alongside health care workers and community activists attended the Ontario Health Coalitions Day of Action to advocate against the alarming trend of hospital service closures across the province.
TORONTO –Urgent concerns regarding the staffing crisis in Ontario long-term care homes and emergency rooms were confirmed in today’s Ontario Auditor General's report
More than 100 telecommunications members from Expertech gathered in Kingston, Ontario, on Tuesday, December 5, to demand fair wages, improved benefits, and an end to the persistent issue of contracting out at Bell Canada.
Despite the cold weather, the workers were determined to express their discontent with the lack of commitment and respect from Bell Canada. Participants marched from Confederation Park to Kingston Market Square Hotel, where collective bargaining with Bell is taking place.
This year marks a significant milestone for Unifor's Social Justice Fund (SJF) as it celebrated its 10th anniversary.
"The Unifor SJF's decade-long journey is a testament to the power of collective action and empathy,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Our support is not just about aid, it's about solidarity with communities in Canada and around the world facing crisis and hardship, reinforcing the fabric of our local and global communities with compassion and equity.”
On Monday, December 4, 2023, representatives of the Society of Professional Engineers and Associates (SPEA)convened with Unifor representatives to move forward with the affiliated approved by members last month. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for AtkinsRéalis employees as they begin their formal affiliation with Unifor, and as Unifor welcomes 1000 new members in the nuclear energy sector.
TORONTO – Unifor members of First Student Bus – which provides school bus services for English and French language schools in Cornwall and Embrun, Ont. – have resoundingly ratified their new contract by 95%.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for staying strong and fighting for a good and fair deal for our members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
Unifor is presently in negotiations with CN Transportation Ltd. (CNTL) on the renewal of a new collective agreement on behalf of approximately 700 Unifor members who are contracted as dependant owner-operators with the company. CNTL is a subsidiary of the Canadian National Railway Co.
KINGSTON— Telecommunications workers from Expertech will converge in Kingston, Ontario, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, rallying against Bell's sustained efforts in job erosion through practices such as offshoring and contracting out. The unified stand calls for full-time jobs, equitable wages and benefits that keep up with the pace of inflation.
The affordability crisis and privatization in the health care system were top of mind at this year’s Ontario Regional Council, held in Ottawa on Dec. 1 to 2.
Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi said access to high-quality public health care is for everyone, not just the rich—which is why the union is fighting back against health care cuts and privatization.
WINNIPEG—Unifor Local 144 members have voted overwhelmingly, with 98% in favour, to take strike action if a fair contract cannot be reached this month.
As the union representing thousands of workers in Canada’s aerospace industry, Unifor is hopeful the contract to replace Canada’s patrol aircraft will result in good paying aerospace jobs for Canadians, but is also disappointed with the decision of the federal government to proceed without a public request for tenders.
“Canada’s aerospace industry and its highly-skilled workforce have much to offer, and we will continue to advocate for a comprehensive industrial strategy that builds up this important sector in Quebec and Canada,” said National President Lana Payne.
From November 24 to 26, Quebec City hosted Unifor's 19th Quebec Council, a major event celebrating the organization's 10th anniversary. A celebration in itself, the council was an opportunity to reflect on a decade of struggles and achievements.
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