Shipbuilding

Unifor MWF Local 1 President Travis Farrell delivered a clear message to keep shipbuilding jobs in Canada, as he testified before the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs on Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) in relation to the development of the Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS).

“The long-term commitment made by the Government of Canada has given our workers something they didn’t have before, confidence in the future,” Farrell said. “Confidence that if they enter the trades, they are investing in a career.” 

HALIFAX – Unifor urges the Crown to uphold all charges levied against Irving Shipbuilding under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, following the company’s guilty plea to the lesser charge of failure to create a safe work procedure or plan for snow removal. 

HALIFAX–Unifor is celebrating the federal government’s signing of the River-class destroyer (RCD) contract with Irving Shipbuilding – the largest and most significant “Buy Canadian” procurement program, and largest shipbuilding effort since WWII.

“There is perhaps no moment more significant than the one we’re in right now to prove the value and importance of domestic procurement,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

(This editorial was originally published in the online and print editions of The Hill Times on Wednesday, August 21, 2024)

The members of Unifor Local MWF 01 Unit 0002 have ratified a new agreement with ABCO Inc. in Luneburg, N.S.

Unit 0002 represents shipbuilders, metal fabricators, machinists and support trades.

The contract includes a 5% wage increase in year one, 4% in year two, 3.6% in year three and 3% in the fourth year. Members will also get a $100 annual increase to boot and tool allowances.

Unifor Marine Workers’ Federation (MWF) Local 1 is growing!

Members of the Local are reaching out to friends and colleagues to recruit skilled tradespeople to help build the future of the Royal Canadian Navy.

“We walk into this shipyard every day knowing we are part of something truly special,” said Shannon Sampson, President of Unifor MWF Local 1. “We are eager for our Local to grow and we’re ready to welcome skilled workers to join our Unifor MWF Local 1 family.”

HALIFAX-The union representing workers at the Irving Shipyard has reached a tentative collective agreement covering more than 1,000 tradespeople building the next generation of Canada’s naval fleet.

“The members of MWF-Local 1 at the Halifax Shipyard are a dynamic, diverse, and skilled group of workers,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “I congratulate the bargaining committee for their outstanding work in reaching a tentative agreement with Irving Shipbuilding.”