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Unifor files 72-hour strike notice with PWTransit

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.

Canada’s Best Chance to Ban Scabs

By: Lana Payne

Labour disputes are complicated affairs.

I should know.

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.

Unifor ratifies tentative agreement to establish National Energy pattern

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.”

Unifor Statement on International Human Rights Day

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.

Unifor and Sobeys reach tentative collective agreement

KINCARDINE—Unifor has reached a tentative collective agreement, covering 120 frontline grocery workers, with Sobeys Kincardine. 

Details of the tentative agreement will not be released prior to being presented to members for a ratification vote in the coming week.

PWTransit workers reach tentative agreement with employer

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 Sobeys grocery workers prepare to strike

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. 
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“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's 10th Anniversary: Canadian Council (Halifax)

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.

Len Poirier, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer, addresses ORC 2023

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, Ontario Regional Director, welcomes ORC 2023 delegates

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.” 

Lana Payne, Unifor National President, addresses ORC 2023 delegates

Lana Payne, Unifor National President, reflects on a year of tremendous solidarity and awe-inspiring acts of worker power.

“This year we have been confronting some of the largest corporations on the planet – and we are winning.”

We’re fighting hard on every front, daringly challenging the status quo with courage, militancy, and a whole lot of love.

Advocating for Change: Ontario's Health Care Day of Action

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. 

Expertech members rally to demand fair wages and job security from Bell Canada

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. 

Unifor Celebrates a Decade of Global Impact with the Social Justice Fund

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.”  

Unifor and SPEA move forward with merger

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. 

First Student bus drivers, mechanics, in Cornwall area ratify latest contract by 95%

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. 

Telecommunications workers to rally to end outsourcing at Bell Canada

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.

RailLine Volume 10 – Issue 15

Bargaining Update: Local 100 & Autoport LTD Enter Conciliation

Greetings,

We want to keep you informed on the latest developments in our ongoing negotiations with Autoport LTD. 

Unifor disappointed following federal government’s decision on CMMA

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.

Members of Unifor Quebec celebrate ten years of solidarity

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.

Statement for December 6, 2023

Unifor marks December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. On this day, we solemnly remember the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre when 14 women were killed on their Montreal campus, and all lives tragically lost to gender-based violence, and we recommit to the ongoing battle against this pervasive and deeply unjust violence.