Energy

Reducing methane leaks from the natural gas supply chain

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Minister Wilkinson,

On behalf of Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union representing 315,000 members in every sector of the economy, including nearly 15,000 members working in oil and gas extraction, natural gas distribution, electric utilities, nuclear energy, and petroleum refineries, I am writing with recommendations to support the reduction of methane leakage. 

Local 848 ratifies new contract at Shell

On February 7 Unifor members refining and distributing petroleum products at the Shell refinery in Sarnia ratified a new three-year contract with a 12% wage increase over the life of the agreement.

The contract also includes improved vacation benefits and more flexibility to bank statutory holidays.

Finish Product Specialists will receive a $5,000 bonus. A one-time lump sum of $500 will be awarded to Lab Incumbents. 

SPEA welcomes government support for Pickering reactor refurbishment plan

Province of Ontario’s investment supports made in Canada low-carbon energy solution

Refurbishing units at Pickering Nuclear Generating Station is a win for Ontario’s energy workers, the economy, and a net-zero future, says the Society of Professional Engineers and Associates (SPEA-Unifor).

Unifor ratifies tentative agreement to establish National Energy pattern

CALGARY—Representatives from Unifor’s energy local unions have ratified the tentative agreement that establishes the pattern for more than 7,500 members of the union’s National Energy Program.

“I congratulate the bargaining committee on setting this new pattern for our members across the energy sector,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “It was a difficult round of bargaining making it all the more important for locals to work together in order to make progress for our energy members.”

Unifor reaches tentative agreement with Suncor

The national bargaining committee for Unifor's energy and chemical bargaining program pattern negotiations with Suncor has reported positive developments in recent meetings with the company. 

A tentative agreement has been signed with Suncor. The deal now goes for review by the program’s advisory committee. Local unions and bargaining units participating in the program will send delegates to vote at a ratification conference on November 13, 2023.

Energy Industry Council

We invite you to join us for the 2023 Energy Industry Council meeting held on August 15th & 16th, 2023 in Halifax at the Convention Centre.

Unifor ratifies contract with Mr. Furnace

Wage increases and improved benefits are highlights of a newly ratified collective agreement between Unifor Local 1999 and Mr. Furnace in St. Catharines.

“My congratulations to Local 1999 members for their commitment to resisting concessions and bargaining a fair contract,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. 

The three-year agreement includes wage increases of 8.5% over the term plus a $300 signing bonus. Task rates were increased, paid bereavement leave improved, and the recall period was doubled. 

Unifor Local 4050 ratifies first contract with Pieridae Energy Caroline

CALGARY—New Unifor members at the Caroline, Alberta facility of Pieridae Energy will enjoy significant wage increases as part of a contract ratified this week by Local 4050.

“Unifor is Canada’s leading, and growing, union for energy workers,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “We’re excited to welcome these members and look forward to growing good jobs in the energy sector.”

Scathing report reveals Co-op Refinery managers acted illegally

REGINA—A Labour Relations Board ruling says evidence showing Co-op Refinery acted in bad faith was “too voluminous to spell out in detail”.

“Nobody is surprised by this ruling. Time and again during the lock-out the Co-op management acted without integrity and in bad faith,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.

Unifor Local 681 signs tentative agreement with Manitoba Hydro

WINNIPEG—The bargaining committee for Unifor members at Manitoba Hydro have signed a tentative agreement.

“Unifor members on the front-lines of gas services have earned a fair contract,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Public services workers were essential to the economy during COVID-19 and their contracts must reflect that.”

Details of the tentative agreement will be released following the membership ratification votes to be held during the coming week.

Members of Unifor Local 681 have been on rotating strikes since June 17, 2022.