Three women journalists, two of whom are Unifor members, were recognized tonight at the Canadian Journalists for Free Expression gala in Toronto for their brave efforts to fight back against misogyny and their online abusers.
This year’s Tara Singh Hayer Award was presented to Toronto Star podcast co-host and producer Saba Eitizaz and Global News political reporter Rachel Gilmore, both Unifor members, and The Hill Times journalist Erica Ifill.
A private member’s bill with all-party support in the House of Commons currently before a Senate Committee could fundamentally improve pension security for retirees across the country.
Bill C-228, An Act to amend the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act and the Pension Benefits Standards Act, 1985, would amend bankruptcy and insolvency legislation to give “super-priority” to funding the deficit of a pension plan.
ESTERHAZY, SK—Wage increases form the cornerstone of a new collective agreement ratified February 13, 2023 between Unifor Local 892 and Mosaic Potash Esterhazy Limited.
“Unifor members working at Mosaic stood united in their demands for a fair contract,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “They can be very proud of what they accomplished.”
TORONTO – Unifor is extremely concerned about the reported editorial interference at Queen’s Park Briefing (QP Briefing). These are serious allegations that undermine the integrity necessary for independent, fact-based journalism.
OTTAWA—Regulators at the City of Ottawa acted irresponsibly when they rushed through ride-sharing approvals without a plan to mitigate the impacts on the city’s taxi fleet, says Unifor.
“By capitulating to the demands of multinational tech giants, the local government set up a race to the bottom in the taxi industry and, in many cases, stripped workers of their retirement security,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “The resulting two-tiered system was devastating for hundreds of families relying on incomes from taxi services.”
Skilled tradespeople from across Canada united at the Unifor Skilled Trades Collective Bargaining & New Technology Conference to discuss common issues and develop strategies to improve and grow the trades.
ST. JOHN’S - The Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal has ruled that Unifor’s challenge of an arbitrator’s decision affecting Exploits Valley Air Services (EVAS) pilots can go forward.
“The employer took advantage of the pandemic and denied pilots their recall rights as airline operations ramped back up, forcing them to unfairly re-start their careers upon their return,” said Jennifer Murray, Atlantic Regional Director. “Unifor will continue to fight for EVAS pilots and protect the rights enshrined in their collective agreement.”
Members of Unifor Local 677 in Unity, Sask. voted to ratify a new collective agreement, securing wage increases and the introduction of paid sick days.
“All workers need access to paid sick days, to keep our co-workers safe and so that people can take the time they need to get well when they’re under the weather. I’m proud that this contract makes paid sick days a reality for members,” said Ken Coons, Unifor Local 677 President.
The Unifor Skilled Trades Council and national Skilled Trades department are dedicated to raising standards and strengthening the Skilled Trades across Canada.
TORONTO – Unifor’s Social Justice Fund is making a $75,000 donation to the Humanitarian Coalition for the Türkiye and Syria Earthquake Relief Fund.
“The scale of the damage and suffering caused by these earthquakes is overwhelming, and the response must match the scale of the crisis,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The Humanitarian Coalition is bringing together international partners to support search and rescue and family reunification, as well as deliver vital aid including physical and mental health supports.”
They huddled in sleeping bags in the back of their cars and set up tents in parking lots in locations across Canada in a show of solidarity to tackle homelessness.
Unifor locals, members and staff participated in Raising the Roof’s “One Night” event on Feb. 7, 2023 to raise awareness and money for the organization’s homelessness prevention programs. Unifor's fundraising efforts reached over $70,000, contributing approximately half of the $142,261 total raised nation-wide at One Night events.
“During the past three difficult years, the members of the Air Traffic Specialists Association of Canada, Local 2245, continued to demonstrate their dedication and commitment to the safety of the flying public across this country,” said ATSAC President Elizabeth O’Hurley.
Members at Windsor Machine voted overwhelming to ratify a new three-year collective agreement that delivered wage gains, a signing bonus and a host of contract language improvements.
“This is a healthy deal that reflects a greater worth in our members,” said Unifor Local 444 President Dave Cassidy. “The committee's experience and knowledge of the workplace were vital to the process, they remained focused on our member's critical issues throughout negotiations. I commend them for their commitment to our Windsor Machine members.”
Under the banner of “WOMEN-LIFE-LIBERTY,” members of Unifor Quebec and Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier braved the cold on Feb. 4, 2023 to support the Iranian people at a demonstration in downtown Montreal.
"As a union, how can we not respond to this call for freedom?” said Cloutier, addressing the protesters. “That's why we are here, to join our voice to those millions of other voices calling for freedom, justice and security.”
Members of Unifor Local 698 working for Gate Gourmet in Dorval, Que. learned earlier this week that the employer would be shutting its operations at the Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport and cutting 50 positions.
The closure is said to be due to the loss of a contract with the airline, Swiss Air.
Unifor’s Recreation Department has announced the winners of the NFL Fantasy Football Pool for this year, running up to Sunday’s Super Bowl LVII.
The second-annual online virtual pool ran from Sept. 8, 2022 to Jan. 8, 2023, attracting some 1,200 Unifor members across the country who participated picking games every week. The person with the most successful picks was the winner of the pool for that week.
ST. JOHN’S-Unifor is calling on the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and the President and Vice-Chancellor of Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador (MUN) to act to resolve the issues of striking Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty Association (MUNFA) members.
Ornge paramedics, members of Unifor Local 2002, won their arbitration over a wage re-opener clause that hinged on Bill 124, Premier Doug Ford’s disastrous anti-worker wage-suppressing legislation.
ST. CLAUDE, MAN.—Unifor members working at Lactalis Dairy have ratified a new collective agreement with wage increases and improved benefits.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee of Local 755 on their great work,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “The new agreement will see improved wages and benefits as we continue to fight hard for workers across bargaining tables everywhere.”
Members at Westrock Guelph packaging company signed a new four-year agreement with 11.25% total wage increases and their first Women’s Advocate and Racial Justice Advocate.
“My congratulations to the members at Westrock Guelph on their new agreement,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Local 1917 has done a great job with this round of bargaining, getting improvements to wages and benefits and negotiating Women's and Racial Justice Advocates. They should be very proud of their work to build a more inclusive workplace.”
Quebec City – Members of Unifor Local 1044, working at Gecko Alliance, were told last week that production will cease by July 2023 as the company has decided to transfer its operations remaining production to its plant in Mexico.
More than 15 people will lose their jobs. This is in addition to the dozens of people laid off since the beginning of the wave of relocation that began a few years ago.
The Government of Canada became the 25th country to ratify the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 190, or C190, which is a framework of global standards aimed at eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work. This is an important milestone in our union’s mission to create workplaces and communities free from violence, harassment, and discrimination.
As Unifor recognizes Black History Month, in 2023, our focus is empowering the next generation of Black youth.
As we reflect on Black history, Black accomplishments and the contributions of the many Black communities here in Canada and globally, we also reaffirm the collective work and collective responsibility we all have to continue to advocate to end Anti-Black racism in all institutions and society. We owe it to future generations.
WINDSOR, ONT. –Postmedia's decision to close the Windsor Star's Starway Printing Plant brings an end to more than a century of daily print newspaper publishing in Windsor and comes at the cost of eliminating roughly 75 media jobs in the city, say unions Unifor and CWA Canada.
Sault Ste. Marie, ON – EllisDon Facilities Services (SAH) Inc. workers represented by Unifor Local 1359 will conduct an information picket outside the Sault Area Hospital on February 1 to demand the company return to the bargaining table instead of going to arbitration.
WINNIPEG—Wage increases and a night shift wage premium are highlights of a new collective agreement ratified by Unifor members working at the Association for Community Living (ACL).
ACL provides housing to people with developmental disabilities, and supports families through advocacy, individual consultation, and training and information. Unifor Local 468 members provide essential support by helping clients with their daily needs, including eating, bathing, doctor appointments, and recreational activities.
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