Mining & Smelting

Unifor members at Windsor Salt mine to begin job action

WINDSOR—Concessionary demands for contracting out work are among the issues that will force Unifor Locals 1959 and 240 to begin legal strike action at Windsor Salt tonight at midnight.

“When the employer comes with concessions and schemes to bust the union, Unifor members are going to fight back every time,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Workers at Windsor Salt have the full backing of our union.”

Time is running out for Mosaic to avoid job action

Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle says Local 892 members at the Mosaic potash mine in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan can count on the power of Canada’s largest union in the private sector if negotiations fail to produce a new collective agreement in the next few weeks.

“It’s simple: cost of living is increasing. Wages and benefits must keep up. If that doesn’t happen, Mosaic’s customers are going to see a disruption in service,” he said.

Unifor files for mediation after Mosaic Potash negotiations reach impasse

ESTERHAZY, SASKATCHEWAN–Unifor Local 892 has filed for mediation after contract negotiations with Mosaic Potash Esterhazy Limited reached an impasse. 

“Mosaic is a multi-national corporation that rakes in billions yet refuses to help its workers keep up with the cost of living,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle. 

Unifor Local 306-O ratifies new collective agreement with Covia

PETERBOROUGH—Job security and wage increases are key gains in a new collective agreement ratified today by Unifor Local 306-O members at Covia Canada Limited.

“As the Nephton mine’s closure approaches, it is a priority to ensure there are no negative consequences for Unifor members,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “The new agreement is a terrific example of what can be done with long-term planning and respect for workers.”

Mines, Metals and Minerals Sector Profile

Sector Facts and Figures Total GDP Share of Canadian GDP $41.4 billion 2.10% Exports $76.2 billion Imports $55.9 billion Foreign Trade Balance 5-year change +$20.3 billion +15.6% Total Employment...
Mining & Smelting

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.”