Transportation

Unifor put the future of transportation in the spotlight at this year’s Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Annual Conference, held May 25 to 28 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Union members connected with elected officials, local government representatives, decision makers and stakeholders to send the important messages of buying Canadian when it comes to public transportation vehicles – especially during the shift to electric vehicles (EV) – and investing in passenger rail service to improve service that connects towns and cities across the country. 

WATERLOO—Wage increases and benefits enhancements are highlights of a new collective agreement ratified today by members of Unifor Local 4304 working at Grand River Transit.

“Unifor members in the transit sector have done a terrific job of serving the public. They negotiated very hard to get improvements in their contracts,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “I’m proud of Local 4304 and congratulate them on this progress.”

The ratification means service will resume on May 11, 2023.

WATERLOO—Members of Unifor Local 4304 could go on strike Monday, May 1 if a new contract cannot be negotiated before midnight on April 30, 2023.

“Transit operators were on the front lines of the pandemic and maintenance staff made sure the busses were roadworthy,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Local 4304 members have shown how critical they are to the Waterloo area’s economy. They have earned a fair contract.”

OSHAWA— Unifor members at Durham Region Transit (DRT) are celebrating the announcement that Durham Region will more than double bus service provided by the transit authority over the next decade.

“Our union has diligently worked to expand public transit and are pleased to see Durham Region’s decision to dramatically increase funding to support public transit service and infrastructure,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “This is good news for our members and for the community."

SURREY, BRITISH COLUMBIA—The joint bargaining committee for Unifor Locals 111 and 2200 have achieved a tentative agreement with Coast Mountain Bus Company.

“Transit workers kept Metro Vancouver moving throughout the pandemic. They have clearly demonstrated their value to the Lower Mainland economy and they deserve fair wages and benefits,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.

VICTORIA—Another Unifor transit worker local union has secured a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in a contract ratified March 15, 2023. 

The COLA clause was first achieved by Sea to Sky transit workers after their historic 2022 strike.

VANCOUVER—Extending the arbitrary deadline for vehicle replacement is a huge victory for Unifor’s campaign to protect truckers at the Port of Vancouver.

“The costs involved for drivers is outrageous,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “We need dialogue about a policy that doesn’t financially ruin dozens of truckers.”

SURREY—Members of Unifor Locals 111 and 2200 will open bargaining February 23 with Coast Mountain Bus Company.

Unifor members share an important goal with the region’s transit ridership: more busses and more bus service,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “Transit operators were on the front lines of the pandemic and maintenance staff kept the vehicles running. Transit workers are vital to the Lower Mainland’s economy and they deserve fair wages that keep pace with inflation.”

Tentative agreement reached with Canadian Pacific 

Dear Members,

A tentative agreement has been reached between Unifor Local 101R and Canadian Pacific Railway. 
 
Details of the tentative agreement will be provided at ratification meetings, which will be held at multiple locations across the country in the coming days. Information on a ratification tour will be communicated as soon as dates and locations are finalized.