Mining & Smelting

Mining & Smelting

Unifor represents over 9,900 members working in mining and smelting. The sector includes non-petroleum mining, such as potash, as well as aluminum and non-ferrous smelting operations. Today, half of Unifor members in the sector work in Québec and B.C. for the global giant Rio Tinto. Around 1500 work for potash companies in Saskatchewan and another 1000 members work for Xstrata in Sudbury. Workers in a number of smaller mines make up the rest of the membership.

Unifor members at Gibraltar Mine ratify new agreement

WILLIAMS LAKE—Wage increases and improvements to benefits are the key components of a new collective agreement ratified this week by members of Unifor Local 3018.

“Unifor members are critical to the success of the Gibraltar Mine and it is important that the collective agreement reflect that,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.

Strike at Windsor Salt could disrupt Maritime’s winter supply

PUGWASH—Bullying tactics by the employer have forced Unifor Local 823 to take strike action at one of the largest road salt suppliers in the Maritimes.

“Unifor members will not have the conditions of their work dictated to them by the employer. Collective bargaining must be a give and take,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “

Windsor Salt’s refusal to negotiate in good faith will drive up the cost of salt to their customers as the company is forced to rely on supplies from outside the region.

Unifor Local 2301 ratifies new contract with Rio Tinto

After 69 days on the picket line at the Kitimat/Kemano aluminum smelter, members of Unifor Local 2301 have ratified a new collective agreement with the international mining giant Rio Tinto.

“When you take on a company with deep pockets like Rio Tinto, you’ve got to have outstanding solidarity and a determination to get what you deserve,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “I congratulate Local 2301 on a successful and hard-fought victory.” 

Unifor Local 2301 to meet with employer

Striking members of Unifor Local 2301 will discuss future bargaining protocol with the employer on August 12 for the first time since the strike began

Myra Falls Strike

More than 300 members of Unifor Local 3019 began strike action on June 3 at the Myra Falls mine, southwest of Campbell River B.C. on Vancouver Island.

Canada must retaliate against the US over aluminum tariffs

Jerry Dias, Unifor National President & Renaud Gagné, Unifor Quebec Director

Against any semblance of good judgement, the United States is on the verge of yet another trade war with Canada by slapping a new round of tariffs on Canadian aluminum.

Sadly, this is the culmination of the current US administration’s stubborn refusal to understand just how important Canadian aluminum is to the US and its willingness to sacrifice jobs in both countries on behalf of special interests.