Health and Safety

This week, transport workers and unions around the world are joining the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s Safe Rates Week of Action. Unifor is with them, fully and without reservation.

The connection between driver pay and road safety is documented and measurable. When workers are paid too little for the time they work, they drive longer hours, skip rest, and take risks no worker should ever have to take. 

That is not a choice. It is what an industry built on cost-cutting produces.

At the 2026 Prairie Regional Council, Unifor members resolved to respond to increasing hazards in workplaces, such as mining sites, with a campaign for stronger health and safety regulations and harsher penalties for employers who put workers in harm's way.

On Monday, June 1, Unifor members joined labour allies, advocates, and community organizations at Queen’s Park in recognition of Injured Workers Day.

“On Injured Workers Day, we rally together to remind governments that injured workers cannot be ignored,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We also come together raise awareness about workplace injuries and the importance of advocating for healthy and safe workplaces.”

In recognition of the National Day of Mourning, Unifor members across the country took part in activities to honour those who have suffered a work-related disability, disease or death.

On April 28, we observe the National Day of Mourning in honour of workers who have suffered a work-related disability, disease or death.

As we remember the victims of workplace tragedies, their grieving families, coworkers and communities, we recommit to the fight to ensure every worker ends their workday healthy, safe, and whole.

On average, approximately 1,000 workers in Canada are killed or die each year due to workplace-related causes, however, the real number could be higher. Many serious incidents and injuries, sadly, go unreported.

Strong workplace inspection and investigation skills are essential to protecting workers and preventing injuries and illness. From April 10 – 12 2026, more than 140 Unifor members joined the National Health and Safety Conference to build these skills.

The conference took place at Unifor’s Family Education Centre in Port Elgin under the theme, Root Cause, Real Change, with a focus on moving beyond surface-level symptom management, and towards identifying the root causes of unsafe conditions to eliminate hazards and create safer workplaces.

Unifor is deeply saddened by the loss of life during the tragic aircraft incident at LaGuardia Airport that claimed the lives of two Air Canada Jazz pilots and injured dozens more.

Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and colleagues of the pilots who lost their lives, as well as with all those who were injured and impacted by this devastating event. This loss is being felt across the entire aviation community.

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. 

It is with great sadness that we confirm that a Unifor Local 892 member has been killed in the Mosaic K3 potash mine near Esterhazy, Saskatchewan where he worked as miner operator.

“Our union is deeply saddened by this tragic news. We grieve the loss of our member and we extend our deepest sympathies and solidarity with his loved ones, co-workers and local union,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.