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ST. JOHN’S—More than 120 Unifor members gathered in St. John’s this week to coordinate strategies and adopt proposals ahead of upcoming national energy and chemicals sector negotiations.
The three-day gathering brought together local union leadership and bargaining committee members from across the country, united under the National Energy and Chemicals Bargaining Program. Participants officially adopted bargaining proposals that had been developed by locals and reviewed by the program’s advisory committee.
“This is about building power together,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Our strength in this sector comes from our unity, and this meeting was another step toward ensuring workers are at the centre of Canada’s energy future.”
Members also received updates on a range of issues affecting workers, including a presentation on the current economic outlook for the energy sector, a session on the union’s “Keep it in the Pipe” campaign, and discussions about the duty to accommodate in the workplace.
Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier underscored the importance of proactive preparation: “We are sending a clear message to employers: our members are informed, united, and ready to fight for fair contracts."
Participants also took time to show their support for Unifor’s Protect Canadian Jobs campaign, sharing photos and messages that call for stronger action to defend Canadian workers amid growing trade tensions.
The national energy and chemicals bargaining program enables locals to coordinate bargaining efforts, share information, and leverage collective strength at the negotiating table. Preparations in St. John’s represent a key milestone in the lead-up to formal talks.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
