Environment

Unifor is actively campaigning to ensure Canada’s efforts to mitigate methane emissions along Canada’s natural gas infrastructure relies on good union jobs. 

On February 20, Unifor National President Lana Payne wrote to federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson to detail recommendations for reducing methane leaks across the natural gas supply chain. The letter augments a written submission to the federal government’s regulatory body earlier in 2024.

Unifor's recent conference, "Climate Change and Our Jobs; Building an Economy where no Worker is Left Behind," brought together union members and experts to discuss the intersection of labour, environment, and economic policy in the context of the ongoing climate crisis. The conference featured a variety of speakers and panels addressing different aspects of climate change and its implications for workers.

Canada’s industries are undoubtedly facing transformations. Working people stand on the front lines of many changes to come, as this country determines how to address the challenges posed by climate change.

Our union has been calling for a vision that transforms all of Canada’s industries while leaving no worker behind. Achieving our vision for economic development and good jobs that puts working people at the centre will not come easy: it will require bold action from governments at all levels, as well as employers.

Have Your Say in Unifor’s Next Steps

TORONTO—Government investment in the clean economy, including electric vehicle production, is necessary to secure good paying jobs and a prosperous future for Canada’s auto sector, says Unifor.

“The scale of the transition to electric vehicle production cannot be overstated, with fierce competition around the world for facilities and the long-term employment that comes with them,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

More than 1,000 people gathered on March 18, 2023, in Saint-Félicien, Que., for a rally organized by Unifor to raise questions to the provincial government on the upcoming strategy to stop the decline of woodland and mountain caribou populations.

"We are marching today because there is a lot of uncertainty about the plan that the government wants to put in place,” said Daniel Cloutier, Unifor Quebec Director.

Unifor National President Lana Payne addresses the challenges and opportunities created by the shift to electric vehicles as a featured speaker at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago 29th Annual Automotive Insights Symposium.  “We look at this shift toward zero emission vehicles as part of an inevitable evolution. We see the opportunities this shift presents to secure new work in plants. New tools and skills in the hands of workers. New openings for regional economic development and innovation.”

INGERSOLL—Unifor National President Lana Payne joined autoworkers, local union leaders, General Motors representatives and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford to celebrate the opening of the newly retooled GM CAMI assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario.

This is a day to reflect on the importance of our environment and the clear connection that it shares in the life long health of all of us and our families.  As well, we recognize how social activism and overall concern for a safe environment will ensure our victory over the threat of the COVID-19 virus and all other global health challenges to the human race in today’s overstressed environment.

By Lana Payne, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer

When Unifor members ratified new collective agreements with Ford, Fiat-Chrysler and General Motors in the fall of 2020, ushering in a first wave of large-scale battery electric vehicle assembly mandates, we knew something big was about to happen.