Union Solidarity

Unifor National President Lana Payne shared her determination to fight for Canada's workers at Ontario Council this past weekend. "We will be the voice of workers and good jobs as we climb this mountain, as we navigate the very difficult days ahead, as we force governments and the business community to understand there is nothing normal about these times."

Shortages of ambulances and dangerous wait times are just two consequences of a province-wide staffing crisis in the province’s paramedic services. Despite repeated calls for action, the Ford government has never taken the steps needed to ensure adequate paramedic services for Ontario residents.

Now Ontario New Democrats and four unions that represent thousands of Ontario paramedics are demanding the Ford government act to address longstanding issues in the sector.

SARNIA—INEOS Styrolution's decision to accelerate the closure of its Sarnia facility to the end of December 2025 has prompted Unifor to call on the federal and provincial governments to intervene.

"The expedited closure of the Sarnia plant is a devastating blow to our members and the local community," stated Unifor National President Lana Payne. "We urge the governments and the company to work together to secure a new investor."

On November 19 – World Toilet Day – Unifor stands in solidarity with the global movement of ensuring that employers and governments provide everyone with access to safe and inclusive washroom facilities, particularly women and 2SLGBTQI+ members. 

Safe sanitation at work is a fundamental human right. Workers and workplaces are diverse, so every employer must take steps to ensure sanitation facilities are clean, appropriate and safe to meet the individual needs of workers.

WINNIPEG—Unifor is celebrating the Manitoba government’s adoption of long-awaited anti-scab and unionization legislation, a major milestone that enhances workers’ rights in every sector of the economy.

“This is a pivotal moment for workers in Manitoba,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “By banning scab labour, the NDP government is strengthening the integrity of the collective bargaining process and helping ensure fairer outcomes for workers.”

MONTREAL- Unifor, Canada's largest private sector union, today introduced the union’s vision for the future of the aerospace sector.  

Presented by Unifor National President Lana Payne and Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier the policy initiative aims to raise awareness of the union's priorities for action in industrial and workforce development at a time when the sector is struggling to regain momentum since the end of the pandemic.

OTTAWA— Unifor is pleased to see that Bill S-244, An Act to Amend the Department of Employment and Social Development Act and the Employment Insurance Act was introduced in the House of Commons today.

“Employment Insurance is the most important income security program for workers in Canada, and is in desperate need of reform,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

Hundreds of Unifor members, activists, allies, friends and family turned out for the 2024 Toronto Labour Day Parade to celebrate Unifor's incredible victories for working class people and show that when we fight, we win!

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