Bargaining

VANCOUVER—Strong wage and benefit increases are highlights of a new collective agreement ratified May 10, 2025, by Unifor Local 3000 members, ending the 12-day strike at the Arbutus Club, a private club in Vancouver.

“Congratulations to the Unifor members at the Arbutus Club, who stood up to the employer to win a fair contract that reflects their important contribution to the Club’s operations,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “When we fight, we win.”

MONTREAL— Unifor’s VIA Rail master bargaining committees are preparing to conduct strike votes after a disappointing week of negotiations failed to move the employer off major concessions that threaten job security and working conditions.

This vote was taken following offers deemed "insufficient" by the union. Negotiation committees from all provinces held meetings with members and gathered a strong strike vote from DHL Express members across the country.

We represent roughly 2,500 unionized employees of DHL Express nationwide. Unifor began negotiations with DHL Express Canada over six months ago, but to date, the union is still awaiting a concrete response to more than half of its demands, particularly regarding wage conditions.

VIA Rail refuses to move on concessions; strike votes begin

Dear Members,

Council 4000 and Local 100 master bargaining committees met with VIA Rail from May 6 to 9 under the conciliation process. What unfolded at the table this week was a complete failure by the employer to bargain seriously or respectfully.

VIA Rail continues to bargain in bad faith.

TORONTO—Unifor members at DHL Express Canada locations across the country voted 97% in favour of strike action on May 10. 

“We will fully support our members as they stand strong and fight for a fair contract,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

“This is yet another multinational corporation putting billions of dollars of profits first, while leaving its employees way behind.”

DURHAM, Ont.—Unifor is warning the community of potential strike action by First Student school bus drivers servicing elementary and high school students in Whitby and Ajax in Durham Region. 

Workers at Select Finishing in Wallaceburg, Ont., which provides custom coatings for metals and plastics, including on vehicles, are celebrating being new members at Unifor.

“Every new unit in the Independent Auto Parts Supplier Sector (IPS) is great news,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

“One of the best ways for workers to protect and improve their jobs is to form a union, especially those in industries that are feeling the largest threat of Trump’s tariffs. We thank you for choosing us to have your back.”

DURHAM—Members of Unifor Local 4268, who are First Student Bus drivers in Bowmanville, Ontario, have voted 87% in favour of ratifying a new three-year contract from their employer. 

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for helping our members address the key important issues, including making a living wage,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

TORONTO—Unifor Local 2488 members at Native Child and Family Services of Toronto have ratified a new three-year collective agreement that delivers steady wage increases and important improvements to working conditions for 300 frontline and support workers.

The Unifor Brink’s Pre-Bargaining Conference took place April 28 and 29 at the national office in Toronto, where delegates from Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec discussed proposals from the locals to prepare for negotiations with the armoured car company later this year.

Unifor National President Lana Payne told members with the world rapidly changing, the uncertainty stemming from the ongoing U.S. trade war makes things tougher for workers. But the glue that will keep worker power strong is solidarity and investing in a Made-in-Canada industrial fightback.