Bargaining

Unifor members at First Student Bus, working as drivers in Whitby and Ajax, have voted to ratify a new three-year contract that improves wages. 

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee who fought hard for the members to reduce wage gaps,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

OSHAWA, ONT.—Unifor members working at Durham Region Transit voted 98% on May 21 for strike action if they cannot reach an agreement with the region by midnight on June 6.

“The region has a responsibility to invest in public transit and in the workers who uphold it, especially as the community continues to grow,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

If the two sides cannot negotiate a new contract, Unifor members will be in a legal strike position on Sat., June 7 at 12:01 a.m.

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.