Unifor and Marine Atlantic are pleased to announce that, with the assistance of Special Mediator William Kaplan, they have successfully resolved their collective bargaining impasse.
By keeping the interests of bargaining unit members, the travelling public, and the communities that rely on the service at the forefront, the parties were able to reach agreement on key outstanding issues.
The parties will continue working through the Special Mediator when they resume discussions July 27-31. As a result of this progress, there will be no labour disruption.
I am writing to you today to clarify issues with respect to Unifor’s ongoing collective bargaining with Marine Atlantic.
Over the previous two weeks, a narrative has emerged suggesting that our union is attempting to shut down the ferry service or compromise the safety of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
TORONTO - Unifor, Canada’s largest union in the federally regulated private sector (FRPS), is appalled by the recommendations issued in a recent report by the Senate Committee on Transport and Communications, which advocates for the imposition of labour contracts in the marine and transportation sectors through binding arbitration, instead of through collective bargaining.
Mediated negotiations between Unifor and Marine Atlantic broke off on the second day after the employer failed to engage with the union’s proposals.
“It’s unacceptable that Marine Atlantic is refusing to engage in meaningful negotiations for a fair agreement that lets workers continue to serve the public,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Ignoring the bargaining committee’s proposals shows a lack of respect and raises serious doubts about reaching a deal unless the company changes course.”
HALIFAX—Unifor is concerned by reports of International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) Inspectors being refused access to ships in port in Halifax, Vancouver and in Montreal as part of their routine efforts to ensure minimum working and living conditions for the crew are being met.
SYDNEY, N.S.—Unifor has filed for conciliation on behalf of Marine Atlantic workers represented by Locals 4285 and 4286 after the employer has demonstrated an unwillingness to bargain by delaying meaningful negotiations.
MONTREAL- Unifor members at the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) have ratified new collective agreements, with the maintenance, operations and clerical group voting 85% in favour, and the supervisory group voting 87% in favour. The ratification follows a strike that halted transit along the Seaway from October 22 to October 30, 2023.
TORONTO- Unifor has reached a tentative agreement with St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) during mediated negotiations on behalf of Ontario and Quebec members engaged in strike action since October 22, 2023.
On Oct. 21, just before midnight, St. Lawrence Seaway workers made the difficult decision to go on strike after negotiations failed to reach a satisfactory agreement.
Unifor National President Lana Payne expressed her disappointment in the failure of the employer to make serious movement in the past days, saying: “This impasse is extremely unfortunate, but our members remain committed to getting a fair agreement.”
A 72-hour strike notice had been filed on Oct. 18, and despite sustained negotiating efforts, no resolution was reached by the Oct. 21 at 11:59 p.m. deadline.
MONTREAL - On Saturday night just before midnight, St. Lawrence Seaway workers made the difficult decision to go on strike after negotiations failed to reach a satisfactory agreement.
Unifor National President Lana Payne expressed her disappointment in the failure of the employer to make serious movement in the past two days, saying: “This impasse is extremely unfortunate but our members remain committed to getting a fair agreement.”
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