“Bell has chosen to put profits over people in the middle of an affordability crisis. Bell, you have now put Unifor squarely on your path. You need to know our members recognize a fight when they see one. And so do I,” Unifor National President Lana Payne warns Bell Canada Enterprises following the termination of 4,800 workers, including 800 Unifor members in telecommunications and media.
Unifor National President Lana Payne spoke at the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage on Feb. 15, 2024 about job cuts in the media sector, shrinking newsrooms and harassment of journalists and media workers in Canada.
Equity and inclusion work at Local 222 GM Oshawa Assembly was highlighted as Plant Chairperson Jason Gale and Employment Equity Representative/Women’s Advocate Teresa Martin invited Unifor Women’s Department Director Tracey Ramsey, and Human Rights Representative Tricia Brown to see the important changes members have driven at the GM Oshawa plant.
WILLIAMS LAKE — Wages, safety improvements, and equitable workplace accountability are priorities for Unifor Local 3018 as bargaining opens with Taseko this month.
"In the face of increasing living costs and the inherent risks associated with mining, it is imperative that our members at Gibraltar receive fair compensation, robust safety measures, and just treatment in the workplace," stated Lana Payne, Unifor National President.
After lengthy negotiations and a strike that lasted two weeks, members of Unifor Local 510 voted 93% in favor of a new collective agreement at a meeting on February 7, 2024.
Members began strike action on January 24 because the employer's wage offers were well below market standards.
"Despite the challenges encountered throughout the negotiation process, we were able to find common ground that meets the needs and concerns of our members," says Ysabel Vincelette, President of the Ro-Bus unit.
Skilled Trades delegates from across the country met to discuss issues, including shortages of Skilled Tradespeople, barriers to women entering the trades, work to expand apprenticeship programs while ensuring qualification standards, and protection of Skilled Trades work at the National Skilled Trades Council in Niagara Falls, Ontario on February 9-11.
On February 7 Unifor members refining and distributing petroleum products at the Shell refinery in Sarnia ratified a new three-year contract with a 12% wage increase over the life of the agreement.
The contract also includes improved vacation benefits and more flexibility to bank statutory holidays.
Finish Product Specialists will receive a $5,000 bonus. A one-time lump sum of $500 will be awarded to Lab Incumbents.
Wage gains and vacation improvements are highlights of a new collective agreement for Unifor Local 200 members working in the distribution and pipeline maintenance areas of Plains Midstream in Sarnia.
The three-year contract increases wages 12% over the term and improves mental health provisions. Unifor members in two categories of the wage grid will get an additional increase. The contract is retroactive to July 1, 2023 and will expire June 30, 2026.
TRENTON, Ont. - Unifor is blaming a lack of capital investment during good economic times on the decision by Cascades Containerboard to close its plant here, throwing over 100 Unifor members out of work.
“This is sadly an example of a company failing to invest when it should and now our members and their families are paying the price,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “I want to be clear we expect the company to come through with severance terms that reflect the workers’ many years of dedicated service.”
Every year, Human Trafficking Awareness Day serves as a solemn reminder of the ongoing battle against one of the most egregious violations of human rights—modern-day slavery.
Together, we must eradicate human trafficking in all its forms.
TORONTO — Unifor commends the Ontario Court of Appeal’s decision today, upholding the Ontario Superior Court’s ruling that Bill 124 is unconstitutional.
“This decision is vindication for the tens of thousands of workers, many of them working in health care and education, who were denied their constitutional right to fair and free collective bargaining. It also sends a strong and clear message to governments across this country considering using legislative powers to deny workers’ rights,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
TORONTO - Unifor welcomes the announcement of a new agreement between the federal and Ontario governments that promises to inject $3.1 billion in federal funding into the province's health care system.
We wish to inform you that the tentative agreement presented for ratification has not been accepted by our membership. This decision underscores the collective resolve to seek terms that better reflect our contributions and the value we bring to Autoport.
TORONTO – Unifor is outraged about today’s announcement from Bell Canada Enterprises Inc. (BCE Inc.) to cut 4,800 jobs – 9% of its workforce – affecting 800 of the union’s members, while deliberately putting shareholders ahead of workers with increased dividend payouts.
Unions representing workers in Quebec's forestry sector say the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (MRNF) is going in the wrong direction for forestry sector consutlations.
Unifor, United Steelworkers, the Centrale des syndicats démocratiques (CSD) and the Fédération de l'industrie manufacturière (FIM-CSN) were united in their denounciation of the MRNF’s process announced during a press conference held on February 7 in Saguenay Quebec.
In a powerful act of solidarity, Unifor, CUPE, and SEIU healthcare workers rallied at the Toronto Sheraton Centre, demanding the Ontario Hospital Association invest more in hospital staffing and fair wages to improve patient care and worker support.
As we approach the 2024 UN World Day for Social Justice, it's crucial now more than ever to spotlight the transformative work being done in the pursuit of equity, rights, and justice globally.
This year, Unifor is hosting a education webinar on February 20, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm (EST), aimed at shedding light on the impactful efforts being supported through the Social Justice Fund (SJF).
Unifor members working at St Marys Cement in Bowmanville, Ont. ratified a three-year contract, securing key economic and benefit improvements.
“Local 222 members at St. Marys Cement work incredibly hard in a demanding industry,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “I congratulate the membership for ratifying a very strong collective agreement and our bargaining committee for making so many important gains. Take pride in what you have accomplished here.
Following ratification voting from coast to coast, it has become clear that the majority of our members have not approved the tentative agreement with CN Transportation Ltd. (CNTL), initially reached on January 16, 2024.
OCHU/CUPE, SEIU Healthcare and Unifor joined by all opposition leaders to say the government must address workers’ concerns to protect quality patient care
Toronto, ON – “Save our hospital care” will be the rallying cry on Tuesday as hundreds of health care workers hold a demonstration in Toronto on Tuesday, February 6 demanding higher staffing levels and quality patient care from the Ford government and their employers.
TORONTO—The Canadian Air Navigation Specialists Association (CANSA) at Unifor Local 1016 filed a Notice of Dispute last week to enter conciliation after hitting an impasse with NAV Canada in bargaining that began in May of last year.
“This filing is a continuation of the bargaining process with outside assistance,” said James Walker, president of CANSA and Unifor Local 1016. “We are committed to negotiating the best possible deal for our members during these challenging times.”
COMOX, B.C.– Unifor Local 114 members at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) in Comox Valley and Campbell River, B.C., have successfully ratified a new collective agreement that addresses some fixes to the public transit system.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee and to the members for standing strong at the bargaining table and on the picket lines to make a stand for improving public transit,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
EDMONTON—Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s new plans to block access to gender-affirming medical care for younger teens is a violation of fundamental human rights and will cause avoidable harm to transgender youth, says Unifor.
“Premier Smith has prioritized wedge politics over tackling the pressing economic issues facing Alberta’s workers and their families,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “She’s put a bullseye on our most vulnerable youth to score cheap points with ultra conservatives. It’s disgusting.”
Independent Union of Audi Mexico Workers (SITAUDI) César Orta, Secretary-General
Dear Brother Orta,
Re: Unifor in solidarity with striking Mexican auto workers at Audi
On behalf of Unifor’s 315,000 members across Canada, we extend our full support and solidarity with the more that 4,000 striking auto workers represented by the Independent Union of Audi Mexico Workers (SITAUDI) at the Audi plant in Puebla, Mexico.
WINDSOR – Unifor Local 195 members who work at Jamieson Laboratories in Windsor, Ont. went on strike at midnight after rejecting the latest offer by the employer.
The union’s strike action stemmed primarily from disputes over wages, the duration of a proposed four-year agreement, benefits, and job security.
Despite extensive discussions, the employer’s offer failed to meet the expectations and needs of the membership. The union emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement that upholds the livelihoods and well-being of their members.
Province of Ontario’s investment supports made in Canada low-carbon energy solution
Refurbishing units at Pickering Nuclear Generating Station is a win for Ontario’s energy workers, the economy, and a net-zero future, says the Society of Professional Engineers and Associates (SPEA-Unifor).
The 2023 Black, Indigenous and Workers of Colour Conference theme was “growing together,” celebrating 10 years of Unifor’s victories through the lens of BIWOC communities and continuing to build on these victories. Check out the powerful and joyous moments that reflect on a decade of solidarity.
As we embark on the vibrant and empowering month of February, Unifor celebrates and reflects on the incredible contributions and resilience of Black communities, who throughout history, have played pivotal roles in shaping societies, breaking barriers, and inspiring profound and positive change.
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