Government and Democracy

More than 40 Unifor, CUPE and USW members gathered in Calgary from Oct. 13 to 15 for the fourth joint “Labour Votes” training session mobilizing union members for Alberta’s Oct. 19 referendum. It comes on the heels of a successful mail-in ballot blitz, and this week’s focus was turning that momentum into votes at the polls.

Unifor representatives, alongside labour leaders from across the federally regulated private and public sectors, met with the Federal Pay Equity Commissioner Lori Straznicky on Sept. 24, 2026, at the Canadian Labour Congress’s offices in Ottawa. 

The meeting gave workers’ representatives a chance to connect and share feedback on the implementation of the federal Pay Equity Act.

MONTREAL— In the wake of the elections in Quebec, Unifor Quebec is urging the incoming government to engage in a genuine dialogue with workers. In response to the serious challenges currently facing both the manufacturing and forestry sectors, the union expects to see concrete measures aimed at safeguarding jobs as well as a clear commitment to respecting union rights.

The federal government plans to hand control of Canada’s major airports to profit-seeking investors. Passengers and workers will end up paying for it.

Airports are critical public infrastructure. They exist to serve passengers and communities, facilitating business and tourism. They provide good jobs in those communities. Private investors have a different job: extracting profits. Those profits will have to come from somewhere. Likely higher fees, outsourcing or contract flipping jobs, staff cuts, or all three.

NACKAWIC, N.B. — Unifor condemns the closure of the AV Nackawic mill, a subsidiary of the India-based Aditya Birla Group. The devastating decision will put 228 active Unifor members out of work and deliver a serious blow to the community of Nackawic and the broader New Brunswick economy. The mill has long been a cornerstone of the local economy, supporting not only its direct workforce but also forestry workers, contractors, suppliers, businesses and families throughout the region. 

TORONTO—Unifor pledges to vigorously oppose infringements on the right to strike that are contained in Bill C-39 and calls on MPs from all parties to stand with workers. 

TORONTO—Unifor’s Aviation Council sent the federal government a clear message during a protest today at the Canada Investment Summit 2026 in Toronto: Canada’s airports are not for sale.

The two-day summit, hosted by Prime Minister Mark Carney, brings together global investors, Canadian CEOs and public-sector representatives to discuss investment in Canadian industries, infrastructure and other assets, including still-public infrastructure.

THUNDER BAY, ONT.— Unifor applauds today’s federal government announcement that Alstom has been awarded a $4.7 billion contract to build 313 passenger cars for VIA Rail, securing significant work for Unifor Local 1075 members at the company’s Thunder Bay facility.

TORONTO—Unifor and Stellantis met today to begin negotiations on a new contract for more than 9,000 workers at facilities across Canada.

“Our focus in this round of bargaining will be on Stellantis’ commitment to Canada, and what that looks like. It’s about positioning our members for the future,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

Stellantis is the last Detroit Three company to enter bargaining with Unifor, following the successful negotiation of the union’s D3 pattern with Ford Motor Company and General Motors.