Unifor is calling for anti-scab legislation in every jurisdiction in Canada. While a federal Liberal – NDP alliance has committed to introducing federal anti-scab legislation by the end of 2023, Unifor wants this legislation sooner.
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Natural Resources
House of Commons
Ottawa ON K1A 0A6
Dear Minister Wilkinson,
Re: Windsor Salt Labour Dispute
On behalf of Unifor, Canada’s largest union in the private sector, I am writing to you about a labour dispute that is impacting one of the largest salt producers in Canada. More than 250 members of Unifor Locals 240 and 1959 working at the Windsor salt mine and evaporation plant have been on strike for nearly six weeks now, since February 17.
SURREY, BRITISH COLUMBIA—The joint bargaining committee for Unifor Locals 111 and 2200 have achieved a tentative agreement with Coast Mountain Bus Company.
“Transit workers kept Metro Vancouver moving throughout the pandemic. They have clearly demonstrated their value to the Lower Mainland economy and they deserve fair wages and benefits,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.
Wage increases and improved benefits are highlights of a newly ratified collective agreement between Unifor Local 1999 and Mr. Furnace in St. Catharines.
“My congratulations to Local 1999 members for their commitment to resisting concessions and bargaining a fair contract,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.
The three-year agreement includes wage increases of 8.5% over the term plus a $300 signing bonus. Task rates were increased, paid bereavement leave improved, and the recall period was doubled.
VICTORIA—A lack of progress from the employer at the bargaining table has forced members of Unifor Local 4276 to give their bargaining committee a strike mandate.
“The Fairmont Empress is a top-tier hotel and its workers deserve respect and fair compensation. It is a leader in the industry and we expect the collective agreement to lead the way,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “The employer must come to the table prepared to bargain a fair contract that reflects the critical contribution of hotel workers.”
Members of Unifor Local 510 working for Autobus Longueuil in Longueil, Que. went on strike beginning March 21.
The Centre de Services Scolaires Marie-Victorin is the main client of the school bus company Autobus Longueuil inc. The South Shore of Montreal, in particular Longueuil, is impacted by this ongoing strike.
"It's really sad because about 5,000 students are deprived of school transportation," said Jean-Yves Filion, National Representative for Unifor Quebec.
The bargaining committee for Unifor Locals 1959 and 240 will meet again with the employer at Windsor Salt for four days the week of April 3, 2023.
The parties met during March 22 and 23 to seek a resolution to the dispute, which began on February 17, 2023 when the two locals began legal job action. Unifor Assistant to the National Officers Tim Mitchell reports that there has been some progress but contracting out and job security remain a major concern.
Members at Unifor MWF-Local 1 at Marine Fabricators in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, ratified a new collective agreement that mirrors wage increases won by their counterparts at the Irving Shipyard on the other side of the Halifax harbour, securing nearly 25% in wage increases over the term of the contract.
