All News

Unifor calls for constructive change to Cap and Trade Bill

TORONTO, April 6, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor supports the goals of Ontario's climate change action program but the union, representing members who work at 30 of the 150 large emitters listed on Ontario's reporting facilities data base, is calling for constructive changes to Bill 172.

Media Advisory: Unifor to present on Bill 172

TORONTO, April 6, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor supports the goals of Ontario's climate change action program but the union, representing members who work at 30 of the 150 large emitters listed on Ontario's reporting facilities data base, is calling for constructive changes to Bill 172. That's the message Unifor will deliver today at a hearing of the Standing Committee on General Government on Bill 172, Climate Change Mitigation and Low-carbon Economy Act. 

Letter to Ralph Goodale - Minister of Public Safety

Unifor National President Jerry Dias sent a letter to Ralph Goodale the Minister of public safety asking to improve public safety and the safety of armoured car employees. Within our diverse union we are proud to represent 2,000 members in the Canadian armoured car industry. The men and women who work in this sector are routinely exposed to danger and their safety is increasingly jeopardized by the lack of comprehensive federal regulation.

EI reform a very good start

This was published in the Huffington Post on Thursday March 31, 2016

The Employment Insurance changes in the federal budget last week mark a significant and positive change in attitude coming out of Ottawa.

Under the former Conservative Government, workers who lost their jobs had come to learn that Ottawa would not be there for them with an EI plan that would see them through the tough times of looking for a job as the government repeatedly chipped away at the eligibility for collecting benefits.

Coast guard announces closure date for Comox centre

VICTORIA, March 31, 2016 /CNW/ - Despite the protests of front line officers, the Canadian Coast Guard management has just announced that it is rushing ahead with plans to close the Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) centre in Comox on May 10, 2016. Unifor Local 2182 says that ongoing audio quality issues at other MCTS centres are so serious that the safety of vessels and the coastline are at risk.

Support for auto and aerospace a glaring omission in budget

This was published in the Huffington Post on Thursday March 24, 2016

The first budget from the new Liberal government is full of promise, and even a few good moves on a several fronts. But it also fails to deliver in too many ways, such as support for the key auto and aerospace sectors.

Don’t get me wrong, there is much to celebrate in this budget, including the essential move to reject austerity and use the tools of government to simulate a weakening economy. But on each count, it seems, an opportunity was lost to do more.

Media Advisory: Rally to defend Saskatchewan crown corporations

REGINA, March 24, 2016 /CNW/ - Rampant privatization under the Saskatchewan Party government has prompted supporters of crown corporations and public services to hold a mid-election rally. Unifor and its allies are demanding a clear statement of support for publicly-controlled crown corporations from all political parties.

SJF funds shelters

Across the country, Unifor members delivered a $2,000 cheque to 72 women’s shelters...

Budget a good start, but auto and aerospace investment needed

OTTAWA, March 22, 2016 /CNW/ - Today's federal budget marks a good start, but much work remains, and Canada's largest union in the private sector is urging the government to move quickly to develop long-term programs to revitalize the economy – including investing in Canada's auto and aerospace sectors.

Unifor available to comment on federal budget

OTTAWA, March 21, 2016 /CNW/ - Canada's largest union in the private sector will be available to comment on Tuesday's federal budget, both during the media lockup, and after.

"We will be looking for action from this government to get the economy moving and producing good jobs for Canadians," Unifor National President Jerry Dias said.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

 

On March 21st, people around the world celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Recognition of the importance of eradicating racial discrimination and the social, economic, political and cultural damage caused by racism, xenophobia and bigotry remain central to the fight for social justice for all people.

Unity needed for a renewed softwood lumber deal

This was published in the Huffington Post on Wednesday March 9th

The next seven months could be very nervous times in Canada’s forestry sector, particularly softwood lumber.

That’s because the Softwood Lumber Agreement that Canada signed with the U.S. in 2006 expired last October 12. Canada had hoped to simply renew the agreement at that time, but the U.S. refused. Instead, we have a one-year grace period in which the United States is obliged to refrain from brining new trade cases against Canadian lumber for one year. That ends next October.

Unintelligible communication with Coast Guard risks marine safety

OTTAWA, March 10, 2016 /CNW/ - Ongoing failures in the "new" technology deployed in the Coast Guard's Marine Communication and Traffic Services (MCTS) centres in Victoria and Prince Rupert are so serious that the union representing coast guard communication officers is warning that the safety of vessels and the coastline are at risk.