Bargaining

WATERLOO — Unifor Local 4304 and the Region of Waterloo have reached a tentative agreement covering approximately 850 Grand River Transit workers, averting a strike that would have begun at 12:01 a.m. on May 1, 2026.

Mediated negotiations between Unifor and Marine Atlantic broke off on the second day after the employer failed to engage with the union’s proposals.

“It’s unacceptable that Marine Atlantic is refusing to engage in meaningful negotiations for a fair agreement that lets workers continue to serve the public,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Ignoring the bargaining committee’s proposals shows a lack of respect and raises serious doubts about reaching a deal unless the company changes course.”

Unifor is proud to announce 35 new members from AGI Canadian Company have joined our union.

“Airport workers keep Canada’s aviation system moving, and they deserve the protections and bargaining power that only a union can provide,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“By joining Unifor, AGI workers have chosen collective strength and a seat at the table. We are proud to welcome these new members and support them in the fight for fairness.”

Lac-Mégantic – The back-to-back closures of Bestar and Meubles South Shore within a 24-hour period send a clear message: Quebec’s furniture manufacturing sector is in jeopardy. A total of 120 Unifor members are losing their jobs after Bestar announced it would close its Lac-Mégantic plant.

Unifor is deeply concerned about the layoffs of personal support workers (PSWs) at Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital, particularly as part of a broader pattern of restructuring happening across hospitals in Ontario.

Unifor Local 302 represents 27 PSWs at the hospital who have received layoff notices.

Members of Local 4005 at the Discovery Centre in Halifax have ratified a new collective agreement, with 92% voting in favour of the deal. The strong support reflects members’ satisfaction with the improvements achieved through bargaining.

“This strong ratification vote shows what’s possible when members stand united and push for fairness,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “This agreement delivers meaningful gains that recognize the important work members do every day at the Discovery Centre.”

VICTORIA— Contract negotiations between Unifor Local 4276 and the Fairmont Empress Hotel have broken off, with no further bargaining dates scheduled.

"Fairmont Empress workers set the standard in BC's hotel sector, and they deserve a contract that reflects that," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "Our members are facing real pressure from the cost of living, and they've delivered a record strike vote. The company needs to respond with a fair offer."

The Unifor Auto Council came together to chart a strong path forward for the 2026 Detroit Three negotiations, bringing union leaders, bargaining committee members, and retired worker representatives together to discuss priorities, the fight to defend jobs, and the global pressures impacting Canada’s auto industry.

Unifor members of Local 4304 at Grand River Transit (GRT) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, with 93% supporting the mandate as negotiations continue ahead of the collective agreement expiry on April 30, 2026.