Bargaining

A message from National President Lana Payne on 44 members on strike since May 1 at Best Theratronics – a medical manufacturing plant in Kanata,Ontario where they make equipment used in cancer treatments. 

This is their first labour dispute.

They were at the end of their rope. Let me tell you why. 

During yesterday’s negotiations with Bombardier, the company presented a final offer to the union. The bargaining committees reviewed the proposal, deemed it insufficient and ultimately rejected the final offer. 

As a result, the strike at the Bombardier facility will continue.

Both parties remain apart on key union priorities. However, specific details of the negotiations will not be made public to protect the integrity of the bargaining process. 

Today, 1,350 Unifor Local 112 and 673 members at Bombardier are on strike after the union and company did not reach an agreement by an 11:59 p.m. strike deadline on Saturday.

The union’s bargaining committee members are working towards an agreement and both parties remain committed to continuing the bargaining process.

Negotiations between Unifor and Bombardier continued throughout last night and into late this morning. Both parties agreed to resume negotiations early tomorrow morning.

Further updates will be provided to Unifor members as the situation develops.

REGINA—New protocols for discussing working conditions are some of the highlights of a new three-year collective agreement ratified by members of Unifor Locals 1-S and 2-S.

“Unifor members are at the core of successful Saskatchewan Crown corporations like SaskTel,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “This agreement helps make workers part of the discussion to maintain high-quality services while protecting good jobs.”

Unifor and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) have launched a series of digital billboard ads directed at Best Theratronics in Kanata, Ont., to treat their workers with respect and get back to the bargaining table with a fair deal.

“This company has ignored our members’ concerns about workplace safety by use of scab labour and continue to have the nerve of proposing a two-year contract, with zero wage increases,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Unifor Local 1106 members at Traverse Independence in Kitchener have ratified a new 3-year collective agreement resulting in several significant improvements for members.

“One of the major challenges the union faced during the negotiations was securing wage increases amid stagnant government funding,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director, Samia Hashi. “This agreement highlights the strength and solidarity of our members, ensuring they are recognized and rewarded for their dedication and hard work.”

OTTAWA—Unifor is celebrating the passage of anti-scab legislation after Bill C-58 was adopted by the Senate at third reading without amendment.

“This is a watershed moment for Canadian workers as after more than a century of struggle legislation will finally prevent the use of scabs in federally governed workplaces,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Now Unifor will continue the fight to enact strong and meaningful anti-scab legislation in every province and territory to ensure that the bargaining power of all workers across the country is protected.”

EDMONTON—Unifor Local 530-A members at Shell Scotford have voted overwhelmingly to reject a mediator’s recommendations for terms of settlement that would have kept the refinery workers well-below industry standards for compensation.

“We have been clear from the start: Shell workers deserve wages and benefits consistent with other Unifor energy workers,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Local 530-A will not settle for second class status.”

WINNIPEG—Manitoba Hydro Utility Service’s management’s refusal to grant the public sector pattern wage increases has led to an overwhelming strike vote at Unifor Local 681.

“If Manitoba Hydro intends to widen compensation gaps within its workforce, we’re going to have a problem,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Local 681 members will have the support of Unifor members from coast to coast as they pursue a fair contract.”

Wage increases, benefits enhancements, and gratuity improvements are key highlights of a new three-year collective agreement with the W Hotel ratified on June 1, 2024 by members of Unifor Local 112.

“Unifor members are standing up to employers and negotiating excellent contracts in the hospitality sector,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The standard set at the W Hotel today will help form the basis for upcoming hotel negotiations in Toronto.”