Transportation

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. 

Members,

We’re writing to address the misleading communication sent to you by DHL’s CEO—a message clearly designed to create division, spread fear, and undermine your bargaining committee.

Let’s be clear: you are the union. Your bargaining committee is made up of DHL workers, elected by you, negotiating based on the priorities you gave us. Any suggestion otherwise is a deliberate attempt to paint us as outsiders and to sidestep your democratic voice in this process.

The Real Story:

THUNDER BAY, ONT.—Unifor supports Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s call for Toronto to have its Line 2 subway cars manufactured at the Alstom plant in Thunder Bay. This move is expected to secure jobs for workers represented by Unifor Local 1075. 

“Unifor backs the push to see our Thunder Bay members building subway cars for Toronto,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Ensuring different levels of governments are coordinating to put procurement dollars to work and maximize Canadian jobs is always good policy and, in these times, even more so.”

DUNCAN, B.C.— Unifor members have rejected Transdev’s latest offer, continuing a strike now in its 11th week. The dispute centers on wage disparities between Transdev workers and other B.C. transit employees, particularly in Victoria and Vancouver.

"Our union will continue to stand strong alongside our transit members to achieve fairness in a region with a rapidly growing cost of living," Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Our members deserve fair wages that reflect today’s affordability challenges.”

VICTORIA — Transdev transit workers in Cowichan Valley have been on strike for over eight weeks – since February 8 – fighting for access to bathrooms that are not shared by the public and reasonable break times to use them.

“Sanitation and access to restrooms are a basic human right,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“Our members’ strike is about basic working conditions, which are critical to deliver the public transit services they provide to the community of Cowichan.”

TORONTO – Unifor urges the Hudson’s Bay Company ULC (HBC) to protect and prioritize worker’s wages, pension and benefits during forthcoming restructuring.

“Friday’s news left HBC employees reeling with the uncertainty of what’s to come and anticipating the worst. Through what’s sure to be a difficult period, HBC is still bound by its collective agreements, must deliver on wages and benefits and communicate with workers and their union about what lays ahead,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

CALGARY—Nearly 280 Walmart fleet drivers in Calgary and Nisku have joined Unifor, marking the third successful organizing drive at Walmart in the last six months.

“Drivers play a critical role in Walmart’s supply chain. These workers are standing together to demand the respect, fair wages, and job security they deserve,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “This is yet another sign that Walmart workers across Canada are ready to fight for better working conditions—and Unifor will be there every step of the way.”

VANCOUVER – Unifor Members employed at Transdev (formerly First Transit) in Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island have filed strike notice after talks broke down with the company.

“As I’ve said before, strike action is not something we take lightly, we want to resolve this dispute with the employer, but our members are prepared, if necessary,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“We will support our transit members with all our strength.”

THUNDER BAY, ONT.—Unifor welcomes today’s Ontario commitment to spend nearly $500 million to refurbish 181 GO Transit bi-level rail coaches, which is expected to support hundreds of jobs for Unifor Local 1075 members at the Alstom facility in Thunder Bay.

“This investment extends the life of the manufacturing facility in Thunder Bay and introduces some near-term stability for hundreds of Unifor members and their families,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

TORONTO—Unifor is pleased to hear today’s long-awaited federal government commitment to fund new Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway cars, with the union’s expectation that the investment will result in good jobs at the Alstom plant in Thunder Bay. 

“This critical investment is the final piece of the puzzle needed to build much-needed subway cars for Toronto transit riders that can sustain hundreds of manufacturing and spin-off jobs,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.