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EVAS Air workers prepare for strike action

GANDER, NFLD.—Pilots at the Gander, Nfld.-based Exploits Valley Air Services (EVAS) served a 72-hour strike notice to their employer last night, Oct. 18.

The unit will go on strike on Oct. 22 at 12:01 a.m. if a settlement isn’t reached.

The 18 members, who work as captains and first officers, are represented by Unifor Local 2002.

The members are seeking improvements on wages, working conditions, work-life balance and contracting language.

EVAS is a small airline that transports cargo and helps with evacuations (medevac).

Women's Conference 2024

The 2024 Women's Conference, themed Women Rise, saw women from across the country gather at the Unifor Family Education Centre to discuss women's political power, supporting our trans and non-binary siblings, Indigenous reconciliation, and many more important issues.

Unifor 2025 Federal Budget recommendations

Unifor has submitted its recommendations for the 2025 federal budget! We’re calling for strategic investments to support industry, create good jobs, and ensure a just transition for workers. Unifor puts workers at the heart of Canada’s economic priorities. Watch Unifor Québec Director Daniel Cloutier’s presentation to the Standing Committee on Finance.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

On this International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Unifor reaffirms its commitment to fighting poverty both here in Canada and around the world. 

Despite the significant economic advances of the past few decades, the harsh reality is that millions of people still face daily struggles to meet their most basic needs. Whether it’s housing, food, or health care, poverty remains a barrier to an adequate quality of life.

October 18 is Persons Day

This year we mark Women’s History Month in Canada with the knowledge that gains toward equality are fragile and need vigilance to continually protect and enshrine them into the fabric of our union and country. 

As we reach back into our past to share the stories of women who have been trailblazers, we learn important lessons from their struggles and triumphs that we need to continually remind ourselves of today. 

Unifor opens action centre to assist auto and auto parts workers in the Niagara region

Unifor has launched a new labour action centre to assist Unifor Local 199 members at the GM Propulsion Plant in St. Catharines and independent parts suppliers throughout the region, including TORA, Spencer ARL, Knights Facilities Management, and Assemble Rite, who were laid off as a result of retooling delays for electric drive unit production and the end of life of the High Feature V6 (HFV6) engine and GF6 six-speed transmission programs. 

Autoport Charny workers achieve major wage increases and pension gains

Autoport Charny workers have ratified a new four-year contract, securing a 17 per cent wage increase and enhanced pension benefits.

“Securing gains at the bargaining table is only possible because of the hard work and determination of Autoport Charny members and their bargaining team,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The small but mighty 12-member bargaining unit can now look forward to a more stable financial future and greater security in retirement, making this agreement a significant win.”

2024 Tears to Hope Relay

Unifor members across the country participated in the 2024 Tears to Hope relay to raise funds for the Tears to Hope Society, an Indigenous-led organization primarily focused on supporting the families and loved ones of MMIWG2S, raising awareness, and promoting prevention.

Members in 15 communities mobilized to show their support. Photos from the event can be found in two albums on Unifor’s Facebook page.

EVAS Unifor members vote unanimously in favour of strike action

GANDER, NFLD. – Pilots at the Exploits Valley Air Services (EVAS), represented by Unifor Local 2002, have voted 100% in favour strike action if a fair collective agreement cannot be reached with the company.

“Our members are highly skilled and valued workers in the sky,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “They deserve to be shown respect and paid a fair wage.”

The vote took place on Oct. 8 and 9 online to grant the bargaining committee a strike mandate. 

RailLine, Volume 11 – Issue 20

Photo credit: Chris Robert

Conciliation Moves Forward: Unifor Local 100 and Council 4000 Update

Dear Members,

Unifor Local 100 and Council 4000 continue to work towards securing a fair and just collective agreement for all members.

Pearson airport workers at Nuance Group join Unifor

Unifor welcomes 125 new members at The Nuance Group (Canada) Inc., located at Pearson International Airport in Toronto.

“A big welcome to our union’s newest members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “These workers are employed in a bustling airport in one of Canada’s busiest travel hubs and like all workers their goal is decent work and fairness.” 

Health care conference builds momentum for health and safety improvements

Health care workers gathered at Unifor’s Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, Ontario from October 4 to 6, 2024, for the Health Care Conference, where they shared experiences, discussed health and safety challenges, and strategized to face the ongoing crisis in the sector.

Sault Ste. Marie paramedics ratify three-year agreement with significant gains

SAULT STE. MARIE — Paramedics represented by Unifor Local 1359 have successfully ratified a new three-year collective agreement with the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board, securing important gains that will improve working conditions and benefits for members.

Maibec CanExel members sign new 5-year deal

Members of Local 434 at Maibec CanExel, who manufacture wood siding products at their sawmill in East River, Nova Scotia, ratified an agreement by 89% securing sick days for the first time in addition to wage increases and other improvements.

“The Local 434 bargaining committee did a great job and achieved strong gains for Maibec workers,” said National President Lana Payne. “Congratulations to the committee and members on this new agreement.”

Robert Girard presented with 2024 Bud Jimmerfield award for his decades of health and safety activism

The 2024 Bud Jimmerfield award was presented to Unifor Local 1937 member Robert Girard at Canadian Council in Montreal.

“Our union recognizes Robert’s tireless work as a health and safety advocate over many years, both to thank him and to inspire other Unifor members to follow in his footsteps,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We know it is this essential union-building work that helps to ensure workers are going home to their families at the end of each day. Defending health and safety is the ultimate in solidarity and is worthy of our union’s highest recognition.”

Canadian Council 2024 celebrates workers’ ‘moment’ with love and solidarity

Embracing the momentum 

The opening day of Unifor’s 2024 Canadian Council in Montreal, Que., was moving, inspiring and full of support. Delegates were officially welcomed by Don Barnaby, a Mi'kmaq First Nations member and traditional dancer, who spoke about his journey of healing generational trauma. 

With Barnaby’s remarks and a powerful discussion on Sunday morning, the meeting both opened and closed with a focus on Indigenous rights and the lifelong work of reconciliation.  

Unifor bargaining begins for DHL Express Canada workers

TORONTO— Unifor opened bargaining with DHL Express Canada today on behalf of members at local unions who work at the courier’s locations across Canada.

“Improving working conditions and securing fair wages at DHL Express Canada is all about demanding respect, safety, and improved conditions for our road transportation members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

‘WE HAVE A LOT OF WORK TO DO’: Unifor affirms its commitment to truth and reconciliation

The closing day of Canadian Council presented an opportunity for listening, learning, and teaching about Canada’s dark history of settler colonization and exploitation of Indigenous people on the eve of National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, marked annually on Sept. 30. 

“Today, we turn our focus to one of the highest priorities to us as trade unionists and as residents of this land,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.