Mining & Smelting

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C.—Significant wage increases and equity measures are key features of a three-year collective agreement ratified this evening by Unifor Local 3018.

“Unifor members in Williams Lake have successfully negotiated a collective agreement that reflects their important contribution to the success of Taseko,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The bargaining committee showed great leadership in demanding new equity practices. The members’ solid support for their committee during this 18-day strike was critical to being successful.”

WILLIAMS LAKE—Unifor members at Local 3018 were forced to take strike action at the Gibraltar copper mine on June 1, 2024 after the company refused to negotiate basic terms of a new collective agreement.

“A fair collective agreement, with wages and benefits that reflect the significant contributions of our members, is not too much to ask. The disruption that began earlier today is entirely the company's doing,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.  

WILLIAMS LAKE—Unifor Local 3018 will begin legal strike action against Taseko (TSX:TKO) at its Gibraltar Mine if a fair settlement cannot be reached before Friday, May 31 at 11:59 p.m.

“With the rising cost of living it's crucial that our members at Gibraltar receive fair wages, strong safety protocols, and equitable treatment on the job,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Windsor Salt is blaming market conditions for an impending idling of its mining operations in Windsor, Ontario. 

The cessation of operations could result in up to 150 Unifor members receiving lay-off notice. Unifor Local 1959 and 240 are currently in negotiations with the company on which workers will remain for maintenance procedures.

“Our goal in the next few days is to negotiate an aggressive return-to-work protocol to ensure the lay-off period is as short as possible,” said Local 1959 President Doug Shaw.

CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C.—Unifor Local 3019 members are considering next steps after learning the company has filed for creditor protection under the Companies Creditor Arrangement Act (CCAA).

“We are going to fight for our members to ensure they get the severance and support they deserve,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. 

Mine operations will enter a “care and maintenance” phase. Most Unifor members will be immediately laid off and paid for two weeks. 

WINDSOR—The 192-day strike at Windsor Salt has come to an end after members of Unifor Local 240 and 1959 ratified a new five-year contract with the employer this afternoon.

“Determination on the picket line and rock-solid support from local unions and the community at large helped us achieve a contract our members could overwhelmingly support,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.

The new collective agreements include wage increases of up to $4.60/hour over the term, a $3,000 ratification bonus, shift premium increases, and a variety of benefits enhancements.

WINDSOR—A tentative agreement has been signed between bargaining committees representing members of Unifor Local 1959 and 240 and the employer, Windsor Salt.

The union began legal strike action 189 days ago on February 17, 2023.

More details will be made available after the ratification vote on Sunday, August 27.

This round of bargaining is the first since Windsor Salt was purchased by Stone Canyon Industries in 2021, a U.S-based private holding firm.

Unifor members, fellow unionists and community supporters from across Southwestern Ontario travelled to Windsor for a rally on Thursday, June 29. Members of Local 1959 and 240 have been on strike at Windsor Salt since February 17, 2023.

“Unifor members on strike have the full support of our union from coast to coast,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Members at Local 1959 and 240 have shown incredible solidarity and determination for months. We’re here to show them their struggle matters and we’re all-in to get them a fair contract.”

WINDSOR—Unifor is extremely disappointed that Windsor Salt has resorted to bargaining in the public. Such tactics are counterproductive and doomed to fail.

“Windsor Salt has yet again made it more difficult to reach an agreement to end the 132-day strike with these kinds of actions,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. 

“Our members have been on strike for 18 weeks. They deserve a fair collective agreement—not disrespect.

The bargaining committee for Unifor Locals 1959 and 240 will meet again with the employer at Windsor Salt for four days the week of April 3, 2023.

The parties met during March 22 and 23 to seek a resolution to the dispute, which began on February 17, 2023 when the two locals began legal job action. Unifor Assistant to the National Officers Tim Mitchell reports that there has been some progress but contracting out and job security remain a major concern.