International trade

Unifor calls for Prime Minister Carney to unite team Canada

TORONTO- On Prime Minister Carney’s first day in office, Unifor calls on him to heed the calls of workers to protect Canadian jobs in the face of unprecedented U.S. trade attacks.

“Prime Minister Carney, as you take on this role know that Unifor members, indeed all workers, have high expectations of you. You’re stepping into a new job while many, many others are at risk. We need leadership that is thoughtful, strategic and bold,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs damage industry and workers in both countries

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. 

Joint Statement on U.S. Tariffs - Unifor Auto Council and Independent Parts Suppliers Council

Unifor’s Auto Council and Independent Parts Suppliers Council, representing 37,000 autoworkers across Canada, condemn the unjust imposition and ongoing threat of tariffs, by the United States, on Canadian goods. 

At a special joint meeting, Council delegates adopted a zero-tolerance position on U.S. tariffs and threats to Canadian jobs and Canadian sovereignty.

This position commits the full resources of our respective local unions and the National Union to take direct action, to support Canadian jobs, by whatever means necessary.   

U.S. tariffs an economic call-to-arms for Canada

TORONTO—The unjust imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods by U.S. President Donald Trump is an economic call-to-arms for Canada says Unifor.

“After months of taunts and threats that have already hurt investment decisions and jobs in Canada, Trump has fired the first shot in a full-on trade war and now every Canadian politician, business leader, worker and resident must fight back,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Trump has seriously misjudged the resolve and unity of Canadians, and he has misjudged how damaging this trade war will be for American workers.”

Trump wood product investigation threatens Canadian softwood

TORONTO—A new executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump to launch a s. 232 (National Security) investigation into wood products imported into the United States is a direct threat to Canadian softwood lumber and downstream wood products, placing thousands of jobs across Canada at risk.

Unifor concerned with temporary pause at Brampton Assembly

BRAMPTON- Stellantis’ unexpected announcement today of a temporary pause in work on the next generation Jeep Compass, including activities at the Brampton Assembly Plant, is a matter of grave concern says Unifor. 

 

Unifor brings workers’ voice to the PM Council on Canada-U.S. Trade Relations

Post by Lana Payne

Dear Unifor members:

At no time in my lifetime have I felt this worried for the world we live in, but also this hopeful about what we can accomplish as Canadians. Seeing our country come together in solidarity to defend itself, and witnessing all of us stand up together, has been extraordinary. The actions of Canadians these past few weeks have been inspiring.

I know these are scary and uncertain times. Let’s remember, uncertainty and chaos is the goal of President Trump and his administration.

Trump steel and aluminum tariff latest attack in economic war

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.”