At the head of Canada’s largest private-sector union, Unifor National President Lana Payne says defending union rights and empowering bargaining committees across the union are top of mind given the current climate.
Payne shared perspectives on the current state of union relations and top issues related to Unifor’s members at the Canada Labour and Employee Relations Network (LERN) event in Toronto on Oct. 23, 2024.
REGINA—Unifor members worked for a different election result but the largest union in the private sector is now turning its attention to protecting workers’ rights and defending public services under a re-elected conservative provincial government.
“The Sask Party’s diminished majority is a sign that voters are increasingly unhappy with the direction of the province,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Unifor will not stop mobilizing to ensure public services and Crown corporations receive the public investment they need.”
Unifor files for conciliation in CPKC negotiations
Unifor Local 101R has taken the step to file for conciliation after CPKC refused to meaningfully address core issues that affect over 1,200 members.
This move comes after the employer failed to respond adequately to critical concerns regarding job security, work ownership, and strained labour relations.
CALGARY – Unifor has filed for conciliation in its negotiations with CPKC after discussions reached an impasse over key issues impacting thousands of workers.
Unifor Council 4000 and Local 100 have officially opened negotiations with VIA Rail, focusing on addressing key issues that impact more than 2,500 members across Canada.
VANCOUVER—Unifor congratulates Premier David Eby and the B.C. NDP caucus on their re-election, praising their commitment to advancing workers’ rights, strengthening public services, and building a more equitable economy.
“This is a win for working people across British Columbia,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “From raising the minimum wage to investing in public services, the NDP has prioritized workers and our families and we look forward to continued advancement in Premier Eby’s second term.”
MONTREAL – Unifor Council 4000 and Local 100 representing more than 2500 workers at VIA Rail, have opened negotiations focusing on key issues affecting the workplace.
ST. JOHN’S—Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray, along with Atlantic Regional Council (ARC) Women’s Committee Member Doretta Strickland and ARC Treasurer Adele Jackman, met with Pam Parsons, Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equality, and Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, to stress the importance of declaring intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Sometimes, for big ideas to grow, all it takes is a seed to be planted.
This year’s Black, Indigenous and Workers of Colour (BIWOC) Conference central theme was “United for healing, peace and solidarity,” where delegates were encouraged to share innovative ideas on community-driven strategies to break down barriers.
Unifor continues to support its members who work as media workers and journalists by marking November 2 as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
On this day, we raise our voices to demand justice for journalists globally who face grave threats and violence simply for doing their jobs—bringing truth to light and holding power accountable.
HALIFAX–Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston’s premature election call is interrupting collective bargaining for thousands of health care workers in the lowest-paid classifications in acute care, long-term care, and group homes.
This week, with the assistance of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services, Unifor Local 100 met with the employer to continue negotiating on key language proposals.
WINDSOR— Unifor Local 2458 members at Clear Medical Imaging have commenced strike action after negotiations with the employer failed to result in a fair collective agreement.
Unifor is proud to support Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) in its work to aid journalists persecuted under repressive regimes, to protect the public from disinformation and to advocate for the rights and freedoms of the media internationally.
OTTAWA – Unifor is urging Canadian National Railway (CN) to prioritize the effective management of its rail infrastructure to ensure the safe and efficient operation of VIA Rail’s passenger services.
In preparation for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on December 6, Unifor has buttons and posters available for members and Locals to display on bulletin boards, in lunchrooms, union offices and more.
Digital copies of the poster and social media graphics are available to download here.
WINDSOR— Unifor Local 2458 members at Clear Medical Imaging are preparing for a potential strike with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. on October 24, 2024, as ongoing challenges in negotiations continue to stall progress towards a fair agreement.
As Saskatchewan heads into a crucial provincial election, three Unifor members are stepping up to represent their communities and fight for progressive change. Each Sask NDP candidate brings a unique background of experience and a commitment to amplifying the voices of working people across the province.
Ottawa taxi drivers can once again get a break – and a flush.
Unifor recently met with the Shaw Centre (newly-renamed Rogers Centre Ottawa) following up on a letter sent by Unifor urging the convention centre to allow taxi drivers to use its washroom facilities.
Unifor was an organized and vocal force at the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Global Congress, representing transport workers from across our union and Canada at this international trade union meeting.
“We continue to build solidarity, and we know things can get stronger for transport workers when we work together across the entire global transport supply chain, especially when mighty global unions like the ITF are working with us,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
Health care workers, trade union leaders and activists from 52 unions and 37 countries gathered to set a strategic course for the global health care sector at the UNI Care World Conference in Budapest, from September 17 to 19, 2024.
In its 2025 federal budget submission, Unifor challenged the federal Liberals to develop smart industrial strategies and further invest in worker and family supports in the last budget of the 44th parliament.
MONCTON–Unifor is celebrating the decisive defeat of Premier Blaine Higgs, who led a government that spent time attacking trans students and using divisive tactics that will be the legacy of their time as leaders of New Brunswick.
Pilots at the Gander, Nfld.-based Exploits Valley Air Services (EVAS) have voted in favour of a new three-year contract that contains significant monetary gains.
"Congratulations to the bargaining committee for reaching a deal that puts our aviation members first,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “There have been so many challenges across the entire aviation sector, and this agreement reached after serving strike notice shows our members are willing to fight to improve their working conditions."
Over the past many months, I have made public comment on monetary policy as it has serious impacts on the workers of Canada and their families as well as the economy.
Joint statement from National President Lana Payne and Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi
Unifor calls on the Ontario government to prioritize investments in health care and key industrial sectors, protect public services, and ensure the creation of good union jobs as legislature resumes.
GANDER, NFLD.—Pilots at the Gander, Nfld.-based Exploits Valley Air Services (EVAS) served a 72-hour strike notice to their employer last night, Oct. 18.
The unit will go on strike on Oct. 22 at 12:01 a.m. if a settlement isn’t reached.
The 18 members, who work as captains and first officers, are represented by Unifor Local 2002.
The members are seeking improvements on wages, working conditions, work-life balance and contracting language.
EVAS is a small airline that transports cargo and helps with evacuations (medevac).
Unifor members, we have an opportunity here in New Brunswick to do what even the members of the PC party and many in caucus have been trying to do – oust Blaine Higgs as the leader of our province.
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