The event, themed “Kwa Umoja We Rise”—a Swahili phrase meaning “Together We Rise”—emphasized unity and solidarity in the fight against the rising global backlash against 2SLGBTQIA+ rights.
We wanted to give you an update with ongoing negotiations with the company.
Throughout October and November, the union and company representatives convened to discuss provincial proposals. Unfortunately, these meetings resulted in minimal progress, which is disappointing for all parties involved.
WINDSOR – This morning, Clear Medical Imaging showed up at the bargaining table with no response to the union’s latest offer to settle the ongoing strike.
Despite the union’s repeated requests for a counteroffer, the employer chose to break off talks. The union will now apply to the Labour Board for first contract interest arbitration.
Unifor Women’s Director Tracey Ramsey was elected President of the UNI Americas women’s committee during the 7th UNI Americas Women’s Regional Conference held in La Falda, Argentina, which drew over 180 women union leaders from more than 17 countries.
Unifor National President Lana Payne said of the union's participation, “Issues affecting women are shared beyond borders. Spaces like the UNI Americas Women’s Conference give workers’ representatives the ability to plan a coordinated response to a coordinated erosion of our rights.”
The push for the Ontario government to declare IPV an epidemic
The opening day of Unifor’s 2024 Ontario Regional Council coincided with December 6—the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Canada.
The two-day ORC opened with an Indigenous welcome by Elder Gilbert Sunday and the All Nations Junior Drummers.
In her address, Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi committed to carving a path forward for all workers to thrive.
Unifor is proud to have 160 WestJet airport ramp workers at YYC in Calgary and YYZ in Toronto join the union, with protections under the existing collective agreement.
Unifor National President Lana Payne shared her determination to fight for Canada's workers at Ontario Council this past weekend. "We will be the voice of workers and good jobs as we climb this mountain, as we navigate the very difficult days ahead, as we force governments and the business community to understand there is nothing normal about these times."
Representatives from auto worker unions in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America joined together at the first ever Tri-national Auto Workers Summit, held in Mexico City November 18-19, 2024.
Summit discussions focused on raising working standards, advocating for trade policies that put workers’ interests first. and responses to common threats and challenges faced by North America’s auto workers, particularly with the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) in 2026.
Members of Unifor Local 195 at Gates Windsor have ratified a three-year collective agreement voting 73% in favour of the new contract. The newly ratified contract affects 153 full-time and 22 temporary part-time employees, and delivers significant wage increases, enhanced benefits, and new workplace equity measures.
December 18 marks International Migrants Day, a time to recognize migrants who enrich communities and help build the foundations of our economy. It is also a moment to acknowledge the systemic challenges they face and to demand bold transformative action to protect their rights and dignity.
On this International Human Rights Day, Unifor reaffirms our commitment to standing with workers, communities, and people around the world in the ongoing fight for dignity, equality, and justice for all. This day is a time to reflect on both the progress we have made and the significant work still ahead of us to protect the rights and freedoms of all people, regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances.
Unifor Council 4000 and Local 100 CN Master Bargaining Committees are pleased to announce that a tentative agreement has been reached with CN, following extensive bargaining focused on securing meaningful gains for members.
Ratification votes will be held in the coming weeks, with specific schedules to be shared through local union representatives.
Unifor National President Lana Payne didn’t hold back when it comes to Donald Trump and the uncertainty and fallout his U.S. presidency could have on Canadian workers.
In her address on the second day of Ontario Regional Council – held Dec. 6 and 7, 2024 in Toronto – Payne said the world is a very different place even since delegates last met at Canadian Council in Montreal in September.
Unifor Local 103 members at Ontario Northland, DSI, Gateway Cascades Casino, and Dyno Nobel hosted its 30th annual toy drive on December 5, a tradition of giving back to Northern Ontario communities through a partnership with Low-Income Peoples Involvement (LIPI).
This year’s drive marks three decades of solidarity between LIPI and Unifor, dating back to an 88-day lock-out of former Canadian Auto Workers in 1994.
TORONTO—Unifor is alleging Walmart punished workers with a wage freeze after they formed a union earlier this month. The union is calling on the retail giant to stop the anti-union tactics and treat all their workers with respect.
“Exercising your basic rights is not a punishable offence in a democracy,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The spike in unionization at Walmart facilities in Canada is evidence that workers at Walmart are ready to improve their job security, wages, and working conditions.”
Rob Moquin, a former paramedic and now a Unifor National Staff Representative, delivered a powerful speech today during the Situation Critical: Ongoing Crisis in Paramedic Services Sparks Call for Action media conference at Queen’s Park. He spoke about the devastating impact of staffing shortages on paramedics and the communities they serve.
Unifor stands in solidarity with Korean trade unions in defence of democracy.
Unifor stands in full support and solidarity with labour unions across South Korea in the wake of protests against sitting President Yoon Suk Yeol and his attempt to subvert democracy and impose martial law in the country.
Originally published in the Toronto Star December 2, 2024
By Lana Payne, Contributor
Lana Payne is the national president of Unifor.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has threatened Canada with 25 per cent tariffs on all goods shipped to the United States as one of his first acts when he assumes power in January.
WHISTLER—More than 200 Unifor leaders and delegates gathered in Whistler for the 2024 B.C. Regional Council to discuss key issues facing B.C.’s workers and make strategic plans for the future.
B.C. Regional Chairperson Leanne Marsh opened the meeting and introduced the cultural ambassadors from the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre who provided a welcome to unceded Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Lil̓wat7úl territories.
Accessibility
Documents can be requested in alternative/accessible formats by emailing communications@unifor.org
