Energy

ST. JOHN’S—More than 120 Unifor members gathered in St. John’s this week to coordinate strategies and adopt proposals ahead of upcoming national energy and chemicals sector negotiations.

The three-day gathering brought together local union leadership and bargaining committee members from across the country, united under the National Energy and Chemicals Bargaining Program. Participants officially adopted bargaining proposals that had been developed by locals and reviewed by the program’s advisory committee.

WINNIPEG—Wage increases and changes to scheduling to improve work-life balance are key features of a new contract ratified on March 18, 2025 by members of Unifor Local 681 employed at Manitoba Hydro.

“This agreement delivers real gains that recognize gas workers’ important and skilled work keeping Manitobans safe and warm,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “A strong mandate from the membership was critical to achieving success.”

Local 681 members voted 90% in favour of strike action on February 3 after bargaining reached an impasse. 

Secure Canada’s energy and energy product supply chains

Unifor is mobilizing an economy-wide fightback against U.S. tariffs on Canadian products with sector specific analyses.

A key component of the campaign is working with the federal government and the provinces to provide a bold policy options that would protect Canadian jobs and support workers impacted by the economic consequences of an irrational and aggressive American trade war.

Unifor Local 672 members at SGS Petroleum Management have secured a new three-year collective agreement with strong wage gains.  

“This deal represents a major step forward for our members,” said Local 672 President John McEwan. “The bargaining committee worked tirelessly to secure an agreement that addresses the needs of Local 672 members while strengthening the contract’s protections.” 

Unifor Local 200 members at Plains Midstream in Windsor have ratified a new three-year collective agreement. 

The agreement includes annual wage increases of 3% and a $1,750 signing bonus, with no concessions. 
“This agreement reflects the hard work and dedication of the bargaining committee,” said Local 200 President John D’Agnolo. “It builds on our progress and protects the interests of the workers at Plains Midstream.”

ST. JOHN’S—Unifor participated in Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey’s trade roundtable’s most recent meeting today, calling for swift action to protect workers, particularly in the province’s trade-exposed sectors like oil and gas, forestry and the fishery.

TORONTO—Unifor’s Energy Sector Council has launched the “Keep it in the Pipe” campaign, calling for comprehensive methane reduction regulations in Canada’s oil and gas sector.

“Unchecked methane leaks pose serious risks to workers, our communities, and ultimately the climate,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “But it doesn’t have to be this way. Today energy workers are proposing solutions that bring government, industry, and labour to the table.”

WINNIPEG—Unifor leaders met with Manitoba’s Minister of Finance and Energy Adrien Sala and Minister of Environment and Climate Change Tracy Schmidt to advocate for the protection and expansion of energy sector jobs, as well as to address the critical issue of fugitive methane emissions. This meeting was part of Unifor’s broader "Keep It In the Pipe" campaign, which emphasizes reducing methane emissions and ensuring good jobs remain in the pipeline.