General Manufacturing

Unifor members ratify contract with Jamieson Laboratories

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.” 

Wage increases, improved layoff protections part of new Euramax deal with Unifor members

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.

St Marys Cement workers ratify new three-year deal

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.

Jamieson Laboratories workers are on strike

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.  

Unifor members at Swipe Jobs strike to improve poverty wages

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.

Woodbridge Foam ratifies new deal, eliminating two-tier system

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.

New Flyer bus manufacturer workers ratify new deal

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.”

Ontario budget delivers investments, now must deliver on better jobs and stronger health care

TORONTO- Infrastructure, industry and health care investments are welcome in the Ontario budget, but government needs to take the next step and translate spending into good jobs and a stronger public health care system, including workforce development strategies.

"The Ontario government has put much needed money on the table - now they have to finish the job by ensuring that the work is done here in Ontario by Ontario workers. If we are going to build the transit of the future, let’s build it in Ontario,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.

Major wage gains and Cost of Living Allowance in new deal for Ingredion workers

Manufacturing workers at Ingredion – which processes corn into sweeteners and other products in Cardinal, Ont. – have ratified a new four-year agreement.

“This agreement recognizes the skill and hard work of our members at Ingredion,” said Local 483 President Bill Garlough. “There were no concessions in the new agreement.”

The 150 members of Local 483, which includes processing and Skilled Trades workers, voted to ratify the contract on March 3, 2023, by 82%.

The new agreement begins March 15, 2023, and expires April 14, 2027.

Unifor fights for respect for Skilled Trades at Robinson Solutions Maintenance

The Robinson Solutions Maintenance unit from Unifor Local 222 in Oshawa, Ont. ratified a new agreement Feb. 28 at 84%, ensuring that members from Skilled and Semi-Skilled Trades get the respect they deserve.

“We made sure that our Skilled Trades workers had an hourly wage that reflected the global competitiveness of the skilled trades market,” said Local 222 President Jeff Gray. “These skilled workers deserve to be paid what they are worth. We are very proud that the goal was achieved. As the expression says, skilled labour isn’t cheap and cheap labour isn’t skilled.”