All News

Unifor members initiate strike action at Cascade Aerospace

ABBOSTFORD, B.C.—At noon Pacific time today, approximately 280 highly skilled members of Unifor Local 114 walked off the job at Cascade Aerospace, initiating strike action after the company failed to reach an agreement with the union. 

Rally for Locked Out CN Tower Workers

Unifor National President Lana Payne and Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi joined members of Local 4271 at a rally outside the CN Tower after more than 250 workers were locked out by Canada Lands Company. With chants, speeches, and unwavering unity, workers showed they’re ready to fight back and win.

Unifor statement on U.S. tariff threat to Canadian copper jobs

Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 50% tariff on copper imports into the U.S.—if applied to Canada—would be a direct attack on Canadian workers and another reckless move that threatens jobs, industries, and entire communities across the country.

The proposed tariff stems from a Section 232 investigation into whether copper imports pose a national security risk to the United States. This process is being used to justify extreme trade measures without legitimate cause. There is no credible evidence that Canadian copper threatens U.S. security.

Rally demands end to lockout of CN Tower workers

TORONTO— A sea of red shirts flooded the base of Canada’s most recognizable landmark today, as more than 250 locked-out CN Tower hospitality workers rallied alongside union leaders, allies, and supporters to demand a return to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair contract.

Unifor condemns major layoffs at Paccar in Sainte-Thérèse

MONTREAL – Unifor condemns the major job losses announced by Paccar that will affect some 175 union members. The layoffs, which are due to take effect on August 4, come on top of the elimination of 250 jobs announced in December.

Faced with an uncertain economic context that has been exacerbated by U.S.-imposed tariffs, among other factors, the company has seen its production fall.

Unifor solidarity rally for locked-out CN Tower workers

TORONTO—Unifor will hold a solidarity rally today to support more than 250 members of Local 4271 who have been callously locked out by Canada Lands Company at the CN Tower.

“It’s disgusting that a Crown corporation would lock out workers rather than negotiate a fair wage,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Today, we’re bringing a message straight to the CN Tower and its Crown operators: workers deserve respect, decent wages, and a fair contract.”

Media are invited to attend. 

Unifor members at Transdev reject mediator’s recommendations, continuing five-month strike

DUNCAN, B.C.—After more than 21 weeks on strike, Unifor transit members at Transdev have rejected the provincial mediator’s recommendations to end the dispute. 

On June 4, the union and the company agreed to jointly apply to the labour minister for the appointment of a mediator to end the labour dispute that started on Feb. 8, 2025.

The mediator met with Unifor and Transdev on June 12 and issued his recommendations on June 30.

Sheraton Vancouver Guildford workers on strike for fair wages

SURREY, B.C.— More than 140 hotel workers at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford hotel began strike action today after failing to reach a fair collective agreement with their employer.

Our members deserve better and are trying to catch up,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “These workers kept the doors open during some of the most challenging years in hospitality. Now, they’re standing together to demand better wages in the face of a skyrocketing cost of living in the Lower Mainland. This strike is about fairness, respect, and economic justice.”

Sheraton Vancouver Guildford workers prepare to strike

SURREY, B.C.— Unifor Local 3000 members at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel are preparing for strike action later today.

“The employer has left us with no other choice,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle. “Our members are the heart of the hotel, and after more than a year without a fair agreement, they are prepared to strike to demand respect and fair wages.”

Unifor Local 3000 members voted to reject a tentative agreement with the company. The union will be in a legal strike position as of 12:45 p.m. on July 5, 2025.

All levels of government must confirm Alstom Thunder Bay plant as builder for TTC subway cars contractor

THUNDER BAY, ONT.—Unifor is demanding all three levels of government make an open and official commitment to ensure jobs for workers at Unifor Local 1075 at the Thunder Bay Alstom plant are secured with a deal to build future TTC subway cars.

“We don’t understand the hold up. Unifor has been patiently waiting for all three levels to sign on and commit to these important manufacturing jobs for Canadian workers – but so far, we haven’t seen any ink on paper,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

ITF Canada National Coordinating Committee meet and organize to defend the right to strike

A meeting of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Canada National Coordinating Committee meeting took place on June 26, 2025, in Toronto, with defending the right to strike and the U.S. trade war front-and-centre on the agenda.

“Workers should not have to pay the price for the trade war initiated by the United States – and corporations should not exploit the moment we’re in, " said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Samia Hashi joins Brinks members on workplace tour ahead of bargaining

Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi joined members at Brinks on a recent workplace tour to hear directly from frontline workers about the realities they face at work and to discuss the union’s ongoing efforts to improve safety, navigate the trade war, and prepare for the next round of bargaining.

During the visit to the Toronto facility, Hashi met with members in the vaults, dispatch, and transportation departments, learning more about the day-to-day pressures in the high-risk armoured car industry. 

Unifor takes to the streets at Toronto Pride Parade

A vibrant Unifor contingent marched proudly through downtown Toronto in a strong show of solidarity for all 2SLGBTQIA+ workers during Canada’s largest Pride celebration.

“Unifor is not just here to march, but to show that queer and trans workers are central to our union’s strength. We know that solidarity isn’t symbolic, it’s a contract, a strategy, and a promise,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

Unifor Health Care, Education & Social Services Position on Tariffs

The unjust trade war initiated by the United States poses a clear threat to Canadian jobs and Canadian sovereignty. Unifor continues to call for all levels of government, as well as representatives from all industries, to employ all measures necessary to fight back and take sustained action  as tariffs persist. 

While some industries are more heavily impacted than others through direct trade activity, the tariffs pose an economy-wide threat to Canada. 

Lana Payne Canada Day Message

This Canada Day, Unifor National President Lana Payne shared a powerful message of solidarity. Since Donald Trump launched a trade war on Canadian workers, our union has been on the front lines—fighting back, standing strong, and proving the strength of our unity.

GFL waste management workers in Stoney Creek, Ont., have reached new deal with company

Unifor members at Green for Life (GFL) in Stoney Creek, Ont. have ratified a new three-year agreement.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for reaching a fair contract,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Waste management is a crucial infrastructure in communities, and we are glad they are recognized for the work they do.”

Canada Lands Company locks out CN Tower workers ahead of Canada Day

TORONTO—In a move that disrupts one of Canada’s top tourist destinations during the height of the summer season, Canada Lands Company, a federal Crown corporation, has locked out more than 250 unionized workers at the CN Tower just before the Canada Day holiday.

DHL Delivered: Members ratify new four-year agreement by 72%

Dear members,

We did it!

The results of the vote are in – Members at DHL Express Canada have ratified a new four-year agreement by 72%, ending the lockout and strike.

It’s been a tough few weeks and we are so proud of our locals and membership for sticking it out, day-after-day on picket lines across the country, never backing down.
The new contract features a 15.75% increase in wages throughout the life of the contract, a new payment structure for owner-operators, pension increases for hourly workers and a new pension for owner-operators. 

Unifor members ratify new deal with DHL Express Canada, ending labour dispute

TORONTO—Unifor Members at DHL Express Canada have ratified a new four-year agreement by 72%, officially ending a lockout and strike lasting nearly three weeks in locations across the country.

“I am so proud of all the members of the national bargaining committee for standing strong and fighting for the respect they deserved,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

Negotiations break down between Unifor and CN Tower ahead of Canada Day

TORONTO—Contract talks between Unifor and the CN Tower, operated by the Canada Lands Company, have reached a standstill, raising the risk of a lockout or strike just ahead of the busy Canada Day holiday.

“We’ve hit an impasse and time is running out,” said Shan Ramanathan, President of Unifor Local 4271. “Our members want a fair deal. We’re ready to bargain, but the company needs to return to the table with a serious commitment to reaching an agreement.”

Statement from the ITF Canada NCC: Working Together to Defend the Right to Strike in Canada and Across the World

Canadian Affiliates of the International Transport Federation (ITF) Canadian Coordinating Committee, representing tens of thousands of transport workers across Canada members of Unifor, Teamsters Canada, SIU Canada, NUPGE, ALPA, CATCA, ILWU, CUPW, BCFMWU met in Toronto on June 26 and have issued the following joint statement:

We meet and gather in challenging times when employers and anti-worker governments are campaigning to limit the right to strike here in Canada and all over the world.

Unifor marks National Indigenous Peoples Day with support for the Na-Me-Res Pow Wow

Unifor proudly sponsored the 2025 Na-Me-Res Traditional Pow Wow in Toronto on June 21, joining members, Indigenous leaders, local organizations, and the public in celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Held annually at Fort York, the pow wow is organized by the Native Men’s Residence (Na-Me-Res), a community-based organization that provides outreach, shelter, and support to Indigenous men experiencing homelessness. 

Unifor Auto Industry Council confronts tariff threats, calls for urgent government action

Delegates of the Unifor Auto Industry Council gathered in London, Ontario, on June 24 to focus on defending Canada’s auto industry from the ongoing threat of U.S. tariffs and demand immediate action from the federal government to protect Canadian autoworkers. 

With the fast-approaching self-imposed July 21 deadline to reach a trade agreement with the U.S., National President Lana Payne warned that accepting any form of tariff normalization would be disastrous for workers and investment.

Unifor letter to Prime Minister Carney Re: Urgent Canadian intervention to end the genocide in Palestine

Dear Prime Minister Carney,

Re: Urgent Canadian intervention to end the genocide in Palestine

On behalf of Unifor and its 320,000 members across Canada, I am calling on your government to take urgent action to end the genocide in Palestine.

Canada must demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as an end to all existing blockades by the state of Israel of aid delivery to Palestinian civilians in the region. 

Nuance Toronto airport workers ratify their first contract

Full-time workers at Nuance Group duty-free at Pearson International Airport in Toronto have ratified their first contract.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee and these new Local 2002 members on their first collective agreement,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We are so happy to have you as part of our aviation worker family.” 

The agreement ratified by 96% last week.

DHL Delivered: Tentative agreement reached with DHL

Dear members,

Unifor has reached a tentative agreement with DHL that is being unanimously recommended by the committee.

We will be setting up ratification votes shortly and will update you as soon as we have more details.

We look forward to a return to operations.

We thank you for your tireless efforts and solidarity on picket lines – some battling record-high temperatures. This is what builds worker power.

In solidarity,

National DHL Bargaining Committee