Road

Road transportation is one of Unifor’s largest sectors with over 21,500 members employed as bus drivers, in private trucking, shipping, waste and recycling, logistics as well as taxi drivers and dispatchers and couriers, among others. The largest group there is over 4,000 members who work as drivers and maintenance workers for Vancouver's public transit system. Public transit as a whole is heavily unionized in Canada.

World Toilet Day 2022

On World Toilet Day, November 19, Unifor renews its call for employers and governments to ensure all workers have access to safe sanitation at work.

“Safe sanitation at work is about dignity,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President and ITF Board Member., “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.”

Letter of support to GO Transit workers

To Brother Rob Cormier, President of ATU Local 1587:

RE: Unifor Road Transportation Council in solidarity with striking GO Transit workers

On behalf of the 23,000 members of Unifor’s Road Transportation Council, we would like to send our collective support and solidarity with the 2,200 striking GO Transit workers, represented by ATU Local 1587.

Unifor reaches tentative agreement with Loomis Express

TORONTO––Loomis Express workers in eight provinces have reached a tentative agreement with the company, avoiding a strike set to begin after midnight tonight. 

“This tentative agreement leverages the power of a national union to set and raise standards across the country while allowing for provincial nuances in the operations," said Lana Payne, Unifor National President."I congratulate the bargaining committee for coming together to reach a deal that addresses key concerns of members.”

First Canada workers in Vernon and Salmon Arm issue strike mandate

VERNON/SALMON ARM, BC—Unifor Local 114 members at First Canada in Vernon and the Shuswap Communities, in B.C. have voted overwhelmingly to strike if a fair collective agreement cannot be negotiated in the coming weeks.

“As we saw in the Sea to Sky region, transit workers are determined to achieve collective agreements that reflect their contribution to local economies,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director.

Durham Regional Transit workers ratify new collective agreement

OSHAWA—Wage gains and new positions are highlights of a new collective agreement ratified Sunday by Unifor Local 222 members working at Durham Regional Transit (DRT).

“The committee achieved improvements to transit workers’ work-life balance,” said Len Poirier, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer. “This contract looks to the future of public transportation in Durham from the perspective of job security and improving the experience for community members.”

Road Transport Sector Profile

Sector Facts and Figures Total GDP Share of Canadian GDP $33.3 billion 1.69% Exports $[ ] billion Imports $[ ] billion Foreign Trade Balance Inflation-adjusted change since 2011 $[ ] billion [ ]%...
Road

Loomis workers schedule strike votes after negotiations open

TORONTO—Inadequate progress at the bargaining table will lead to strike votes at the Loomis Express job sites across Canada represented by Unifor. Loomis Express is owned by TransForce International (TSE:TFI).

“TransForce has created instability for workers with widespread contracting out,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer. “We will address this at the bargaining table or we’ll address it on the picket line—it’s up to the employer.”

Unifor opposes Port of Vancouver truck deadline

VANCOUVER—Container truck drivers’ concerns are being ignored as the Port of Vancouver forces through a program to retire trucks arbitrarily, says Unifor.

“The program is a farce. Not only does it ignore the financial concerns of truck drivers, it exempts more than 98% of trucks on B.C.’s roads,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “It’s ‘greenwashing’ at its worst. The Port’s plan imposes massive costs on truckers and will have no real effect on emissions.”