Jobs and the Economy

TORONTO—Unifor applauds the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)'s decision to proceed with developing rules that will ensure Canadian programming is available and visible on online streaming services. At the same time, the union is also calling on the federal government to also immediately move ahead with implementing the contributions requirements for digital streamers.

The Commission’s decisive move comes after the issue played a significant role in ending trade talks with the U.S.

Unifor opened negotiations with Stellantis today with the union focused on the future of more than 9,000 members at Stellantis facilities in Ontario and Alberta.

By Daniel Cloutier, Unifor Quebec Director - Originally published in Le Devoir 

In the run-up to an election campaign, Quebec finds itself embroiled in an unprecedented trade war. Since January 2025, our plants have been dealing with a series of tariff attacks from Washington, with duties on softwood lumber soaring to 144% in 2025 alone and sectoral tariffs of up to 50% on aluminum, copper and a constantly growing list of other products.  

TORONTO—Unifor welcomes the Canadian tariff countermeasures announced today but is reiterating the union’s call for stronger industrial policies and income security measures, as the trade war with the United States escalates.

Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray addresses rally attendees, urging government to put a stop to a two-tiered healthcare system in Canada. 

TORONTO—Dallas-based HF Sinclair will end base oil refining at its Mississauga, Ontario plant by 2027, shutting down Canada's largest producer of the refined oils that keep every engine, turbine and industrial machine in the country running. 

"This is a reckless decision made in a Dallas boardroom by people who will never have to look these workers in the eye," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We are about to hand control of that supply to producers in other countries at the exact moment governments here are telling us supply chain security matters.” 

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C.—Canfor’s announcement of plans to close its Northwood pulp mill would eliminate 300 forestry jobs and further hobble the forestry supply chain in B.C. if it is allowed to proceed, says Unifor. 

“B.C.’s forestry sector is teetering on the brink, and with each mill closure we get closer to the complete collapse of the forestry sector in this province,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Forestry workers, their families, and their communities need urgent support from the provincial and federal governments.”

TORONTO— Unifor is condemning Rogers Sports and Media’s decision to eliminate 230 positions across its media operations, including layoffs affecting dozens of Unifor members who produce trusted, fact-based local broadcast news and programming for communities across Canada.

"These layoffs are another devastating blow to Canada's already fragile news industry," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

The federal government is fast-tracking a review of Canada’s Labour Code. Workers' rights, including the right to strike, must not become casualties of corporate pressure. Watch this update from Unifor National President Lana Payne to learn what's at stake and why Unifor is fighting back.