VAL-D’OR, Q.C.– Unifor is deeply concerned by the announcement of the closure of the Chantiers Chibougamau mill in Val-d’Or, Quebec, a decision that directly affects the workers represented by the union, and demonstrates once again the vulnerability of Quebec’s forestry sector.
WINDSOR— Stellantis has responded to the imposition of a 25% auto tariff with the temporary layoff of thousands of Unifor Local 444 members at Windsor Assembly Plant and additional layoffs in Mexico and at U.S. facilities.
TORONTO—Unifor is calling on the federal government to keep all options on the table in the escalating trade war with the U.S. as new auto tariffs will fall on Canada’s auto sector at midnight tonight.
TORONTO—Unifor condemns Bell Canada Enterprises (BCE) executives for awarding themselves more than $5 million in bonuses, including nearly $2.4 million to CEO Mirko Bibic, following massive job cuts and stock drops.
“This announcement dropped on April Fool’s Day, but sadly, this is no joke,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“The company laid off thousands, its stock went down by 30% and yet, the richest and most powerful continue to profit off the back of our members.”
Originally published in the Toronto Star April 2, 2025 Lana Payne
U.S. President Donald Trump stumbling his way through a recent media conference was indicative of how little he knows about an industry he claims to want to protect.
From the beginning Trump’s tariff schemes for the North American auto industry have been riddled with reasons baked in half-truths and out-right fabrications and misinformation.
On April 28, Canadians will vote to elect Members of Parliament who will form Canada’s next federal government.
This election is critical for our union and for all working people across this country. Given the extremely challenging economic times we live in, there is no doubt that the stakes couldn’t be higher.
I have heard from so many of you over the past few months. Unifor members are worried about the impacts of an escalating trade war initiated by the United States on our jobs, our families and our communities.
MONTREAL - Unifor strongly condemns the U.S. government's inclusion of Bill 96 - and all measures protecting the French language - as a “foreign trade barrier” in the latest National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers. This position reflects a profound misunderstanding of Quebec's linguistic rights and democratic choices.
Unifor files for conciliation in VIA Rail negotiations
Unifor Council 4000 and Local 100 filed for conciliation on March 25, 2025, and the Labour Minister now has up to 15-days to appoint a federal conciliator to assist the parties with contract negotiations. This step comes after several rounds of bargaining where key proposals from the Union remain unresolved.”
DURHAM—Members Unifor Local 4268, who are First Student Bus drivers in Durham Region voted to support a strike mandate after negotiations with the company remain far apart on key issues of work-life balance and wages.
The federal government has recently introduced a series of special Measures affecting Employment Insurance (EI). The changes are meant to both prevent unemployment and to improve EI access and benefit duration for some workers.
EDMONTON—Unifor joined more than 20 Alberta unions today to announce the Solidarity Pact to unite over 250,000 workers in a bold stand for workers’ rights and public services.
“Unifor is proud to help lead this united front in Alberta,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle. “When governments attack workers, it’s our job to fight back—together. This pact is a promise to every worker that unions stand ready to defend their rights.”
TORONTO— With the imposition of a 25% tariff on all vehicles manufactured outside of the United States President Donald Trump has escalated his unjust assault on the Canadian economy and autoworkers.
“Donald Trump has convinced himself that, somehow, the jobs of Canadian autoworkers are his to claim,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We have built cars here for over a century, long before the U.S. was our primary trade partner. I will state this as clearly and unequivocally as I can. These are not his jobs to take.”
During her March 24 visit to the Ford Paris Parts Distribution Plant Unifor National President Lana Payne delivered a message to Donald Trump: Our jobs aren’t yours to steal! We’ve had an auto industry here for over 100 years. We’re going to fight to protect it!
TORONTO— Unifor is calling out Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) for awarding management bonuses while thousands of workers face termination and learn that the company has publicly refused to honour its severance pay obligations.
Unifor’s Forestry Council Executive Committee members met this week at the national office and were joined by National leadership to discuss the ongoing tariff threat to Canadian forestry, pulp and paper and lumber members.
The seven members of the Forestry Executive, with representatives from across Canada, met in Toronto on March 25 to consider the latest developments in the ongoing trade war and the softwood lumber dispute, both of which represent existential threats to forestry workers and communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast.
KITCHENER-WATERLOO—Unifor is asking for the public’s patience during the delays in transit service resulting from the picket lines and legal strike action of CUPE Local 1656.
On Trans Day of Visibility, March 31, Unifor stands firmly with trans, non-binary, two-spirited, and gender-diverse individuals.
In the face of mounting hate, fueled by far-right rhetoric and emboldened by politicians who choose to sow division and hatred instead of fostering unity, our union remains unwavering in its commitment to justice, equality, and solidarity.
LANIGAN, SK—Unifor Local 922 members at Nutrien have voted in favour of a new collective agreement that delivers wage increases and benefit improvements.
“Potash miners help extract a key strategic resource for Canadians,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “From wages to benefits, Local 922 has secured improvements that reflect their value to Nutrien and the important work they do.”
HALIFAX–The Health Support Council of Unions has filed for conciliation as negotiations for 4,600 workers with the IWK and Nova Scotia Health hit a brick wall.
It has been a disappointing week for Unifor/our bargaining representatives across Canada, the company simply refuses to take negotiations seriously and didn’t adequately prepare to bargain a new contract.
Unifor began bargaining with the DHL Express Canada six months ago on Oct. 1, 2024, but to-date, we’re still waiting for a concrete response to address more than half of our demands.
Even the presence of a mediator, requested by DHL, was not enough to get the company to bargain.
TORONTO- Unifor launches Unifor Votes campaign to get out the union vote ahead of the April 28 federal election.
“Working people across Canada have been caught in the crosshairs of an escalating trade war launched by the United States against our economy. Tens of thousands of jobs, communities and entire industries are on the line,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “It’s time to vote to protect Canadian jobs and ask all parties what they plan to do to build a strong, resilient economy in Canada.”
TORONTO— Unifor demands that Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) put workers ahead of other creditors as it moves to liquidate assets and restructure under creditor protection.
Unifor Local 27 members at General Dynamics Land Systems Canada in London, Ontario voted 97% in favour of ratifying a new three-year contract.
"I want to extend my deepest thanks to the members of Unifor Local 27 and their dedicated bargaining team for their hard work and solidarity throughout these negotiations,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Our members voted overwhelmingly for a strong agreement that makes key financial gains and improvements to their working conditions that reflect the highly skilled work they do every day.”
I know everyday brings new turmoil as a result of the chaos-driven policies of U.S. President Donald Trump. These past weeks have been filled with concern and anxiety.
From my vantage point, there is uncertainty, but there is also the incredible resolve and determination shown by our members and by all Canadians across the country, from different regions, provinces, sectors and communities.
VANCOUVER—Unifor Local 3000 members voted 95% in favour of strike action if the employer at the Arbutus Club continues to refuse to take bargaining seriously.
“Unless something changes at the bargaining table, Arbutus Club members can expect a serious service disruption and a noisy picket line,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “With membership fees that run tens of thousands of dollars, we know the Arbutus Club will have no trouble meeting our reasonable wage demands.”
WINNIPEG—Wage increases and changes to scheduling to improve work-life balance are key features of a new contract ratified on March 18, 2025 by members of Unifor Local 681 employed at Manitoba Hydro.
“This agreement delivers real gains that recognize gas workers’ important and skilled work keeping Manitobans safe and warm,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “A strong mandate from the membership was critical to achieving success.”
Local 681 members voted 90% in favour of strike action on February 3 after bargaining reached an impasse.
Last Friday, a wave of angry workers gathered in protest in front of the Plaza Centre-Ville in Montreal, where the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM) was hosting an event in the presence of the Minister of Labour, Jean Boulet. Boulet was set to speak on a range of economic issues, but when confronted with the protest by unionized workers, he decided to withdraw and cancel his speech.
Accessibility
Documents can be requested in alternative/accessible formats by emailing communications@unifor.org
