Transportation

Unifor welcomes new members at third Walmart unit in six months

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.”

Transdev bus operators, mechanics, and cleaners in Cowichan Valley, B.C. file strike notice

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.”

Unifor welcomes GO train funding that supports jobs for members at Alstom

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. 

Unifor welcomes $758 million federal government investment in Canadian-made TTC subway cars

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. 

Safe, clean washrooms are a fundamental human right

On November 19 – World Toilet Day – Unifor stands in solidarity with the global movement of ensuring that employers and governments provide everyone with access to safe and inclusive washroom facilities, particularly women and 2SLGBTQI+ members. 

Safe sanitation at work is a fundamental human right. Workers and workplaces are diverse, so every employer must take steps to ensure sanitation facilities are clean, appropriate and safe to meet the individual needs of workers.

PWTransit workers overwhelmingly reject employer’s latest offer

VANCOUVER – Unifor members working at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) in Comox Valley and Campbell River, B.C. have rejected the latest contract offer by 86% after the company did not close the gap to address issues of wage disparity, scheduling, and overtime language.

Members spoke out clearly at ratification meetings held Nov. 26 and voted to reject this tentative agreement.

Unifor and PWTransit reach tentative agreement in Comox Valley

COMOX—A strike at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) in Comox and Campbell River in British Columbia has been averted as the bargaining committee of Unifor Local 114 and the employer have reached a tentative agreement.

“Congratulations to our members at Local 114 in the Comox Valley for bargaining tough to achieve fairness in a region with a rapidly growing cost of living,” Lana Payne, Unifor National President. 

St. Lawrence Seaway workers issue strike notice

MONTREAL-Unifor members working for the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation are ready to strike as of midnight on Saturday, October 21, 2023, which would effectively shut down transit through the Seaway. This drastic decision follows the issuance of a 72-hour strike warning to the employer, underscoring the depth of dissatisfaction and the imperative for a swift resolution to the ongoing disputes.