Mining & Smelting

Members of Unifor Local 823 Mine & Office Unit at Windsor Salt in Pugwash, N.S., ratified a four-year collective agreement that sees strong improvements to wages and benefits.

“I congratulate the bargaining committee and Local 823 members at Windsor Salt who used their collective power to improve their working conditions,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “As we collectively focus on buying Canadian goods, we can celebrate in knowing Windsor Salt products are sourced and prepared here at home by Unifor members.”

LANIGAN, SK—Unifor Local 922 members at Nutrien have voted in favour of a new collective agreement that delivers wage increases and benefit improvements. 

“Potash miners help extract a key strategic resource for Canadians,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “From wages to benefits, Local 922 has secured improvements that reflect their value to Nutrien and the important work they do.” 

Canada’s mining sector is facing an unprecedented attack from the Trump Administration, which has yet again trained its sights on Canadian metals and minerals. After losing a trade war against Canada’s aluminum and steel industries in 2018-19, Trump is now threatening all of Canada’s mining and metals sector with up to 50% tariffs.

CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C.—A mediator was unable to help Unifor Local 3019 make any progress in contract negotiations after the employer, global commodities giant Trafigura, refused to back down from aggressive proposals to undermine union rights.  

“Stripping Unifor members of their rights is a non-starter,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We will resist every proposal that disrespects the union rights of miners in Myra Falls.”

TORONTO—The 25% tariff imposed on Canadian steel and aluminum exports by U.S. President Donald Trump will cause serious damage to industry and workers in both countries, says Unifor. 

“Trump is knowingly inflicting damage to the North American manufacturing sector with these inflationary tariffs that will injure workers, eliminate jobs, and hurt consumers,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

TORONTO— President Trump’s new order to impose tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum is just the latest attack in his full-on economic war against Canada.

“Make no mistake Trump is coming for Canada and the jobs of Canadian workers,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “It’s clear his plan is to use economic warfare to weaken our economy. It’s time to push back hard. Canada must respond in full force to the tariffs on steel and aluminum to prevent the U.S. from coming after more jobs and industries.”

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.