General Manufacturing

Unifor is thrilled its Fund Durham Region Transit campaign propelled Durham Regional Council to reaffirm its dedication to working towards fully funding the 127% service growth needed – or 625,000 hours – for its transit system by 2032.

The 135 Unifor members working at the Agropur Dairy Cooperative production plant in Bedford, N.S. have signed a new five-year contract that has wage increases of over 16.4% over the life of the agreement, including a 5% pay bump in the first year.

Unifor Local 27 members have ratified a new three-year agreement with their manufacturing employer, Masco Canada in St. Thomas, Ont. on March 5.

 “Congratulations to the bargaining committee for their dedicated hard work negotiating a fair contract for our manufacturing members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Every step towards making a workplace more inclusive is a move in the right direction.”

WINDSOR – The 317 members of Unifor Local 195 employed by Jamieson have ratified a new collective agreement, ending a 34-day strike.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for holding steady during some difficult negotiations and fighting for a contract their members could support,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“As well, my sincere thanks to our members and their families, for showing up on the picket line, day in and day out, remaining strong in your resolve and solidarity.” 

Unifor members at Local 542 have unanimously voted in favour of a new three-year agreement with their manufacturing employer, Euramax, in Barrie, Ont.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for negotiating a strong contract that our manufacturing members could easily get behind,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “These are wins that should be celebrated.”

Euramax Canada manufactures aluminum eavestroughs, steel, vinyl and copper products, including roof drainage systems.

Unifor members working at St Marys Cement in Bowmanville, Ont. ratified a three-year contract, securing key economic and benefit improvements.

“Local 222 members at St. Marys Cement work incredibly hard in a demanding industry,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “I congratulate the membership for ratifying a very strong collective agreement and our bargaining committee for making so many important gains. Take pride in what you have accomplished here.

WINDSOR – Unifor Local 195 members who work at Jamieson Laboratories in Windsor, Ont. went on strike at midnight after rejecting the latest offer by the employer.  

The union’s strike action stemmed primarily from disputes over wages, the duration of a proposed four-year agreement, benefits, and job security.  

Despite extensive discussions, the employer’s offer failed to meet the expectations and needs of the membership. The union emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement that upholds the livelihoods and well-being of their members.  

The 71 members of Local 222 who work for the agency Swipe Jobs – which is on contract to Del Monte Fresh in Oshawa, Ont. to supply workers – are on strike to fight for a living wage.

“Del Monte has contracted out Swipe Jobs to provide workers at their facility, all the while not taking responsibility for the subpar wages and lack of benefits, making it impossible for our members to make a decent living,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

The members of Unifor Local 112 have ratified a new three-year contract with their employer, Woodbridge Foam Corp., an automotive seating and interior design company in Woodbridge, Ont.

“Negotiating this agreement was a long and challenging process, but the bargaining committee felt supported by the strength and solidarity of the members, along with the local and national union,” said Local 112 President John Turner.

The members of New Flyer, a Canadian multinational bus manufacturer based out of Winnipeg, Man., have voted to ratify a new five-year deal.

“This new agreement will provide stability and meaningful gains during these uncertain times, in light of inflation, for our members,” said Clint Seys, Unifor Local 3003 President. “The biggest challenge going into negotiations was the financial state of the company coming out of Covid, but our bargaining committee stayed strong and walked out with no concessions.”