Bargaining

The members of Unifor Local MWF 01 Unit 0002 have ratified a new agreement with ABCO Inc. in Luneburg, N.S.

Unit 0002 represents shipbuilders, metal fabricators, machinists and support trades.

The contract includes a 5% wage increase in year one, 4% in year two, 3.6% in year three and 3% in the fourth year. Members will also get a $100 annual increase to boot and tool allowances.

Unifor members of Local 2107 have ratified a new four-year agreement with East Coast Credit Union in Antigonish, N.S.

Unifor represents 45 members working as financial services representatives, branch ambassadors and clearing representatives among other classifications.

The contract includes wage increases, including $1.25/hour more across all wages and 3% in the remaining three years. The gains include a $500 after tax signing bonus, five personal leave days, and vacation enhancements. For the first time, part-time workers will be able to access personal leave days.

TORONTO-More than 11,000 Unifor grocery store members are preparing to take on Canada’s Big Three grocery giants, Loblaw, Metro and Sobeys, in upcoming contract negotiations. The front-line supermarket workers are seeking pay increases, benefit improvements and more full-time jobs as bargaining begins next month.

The members of Local 2003 at University of Toronto have ratified a new contract, retroactive to May 1, 2022.

“Wage increases and retroactivity delivers members a just-over 5% increase over the life of the two-year deal immediately upon ratification,” said Local 2003 President Patrick Doyle.

“Improvements to premiums, allowances and benefits means more money in members’ pockets. It is great to have these improvements locked in with a public employer in an uncertain time, with the government’s appeal of the repeal of Bill 124 still to be heard by the court this June.”

Unifor Local 252 members at four Mercedes-Benz dealership locations in the GTA have ratified new collective agreements, bringing their strike action to an end.

Members at the Mercedes-Benz Etobicoke and Midtown Toronto dealerships, owned by the Zanchin Automotive Group ratified on May 16 with 86% voting in favour. Members at the Mercedes-Benz Downtown Toronto and Thornhill dealerships, owned by the AWIN Auto Group, ratified on May 24 with 70% support.

Groupe de Scieries (GDS) declared a lockout at four eastern Quebec mill locations, following a 24-hour strike at the company’s Matane plant on May 18. 

Workers at the Matane plant have been working without a contract since 2022 and during negotiations decided to escalate pressure on the employer by declaring a 24-hour strike. The decision came after the employer submitted its offer.

Unifor Local 1291 has secured a new four-year contract with Ariva, a division of Domtar.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for negotiating a deal that addresses our members’ top priorities,” said Local 1291 President Adam Doran.

“Our local benefits from gains in the pulp and paper bargaining pattern negotiated by units in Dryden and Espanola. However, a challenge we had to face was the employer hesitating to make changes with us that might set a precedent.”

LONDON—Pensions, wages, transition plans as autoworkers shift to producing electric vehicles, and confirmation of new investment and product lines emerged as the bargaining priorities at the Unifor Special Auto Council, as the union prepares for upcoming negotiations with the Detroit Three automakers (Ford, General Motors and Stellantis).

The conflict between the 1,500 Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) members and their employer WestJet has reached a crucial point. Unifor’s 315,000 members stand alongside these sisters, brothers, and friends in their efforts to improve wages and scheduling practices through a long bargaining process and a refusal from the company to meet their demands.

WINDSOR—Urgent action is required by the federal government so that construction can resume on the five billion Stellantis EV battery plant in Windsor, Ontario.

“It’s outrageous that tens of thousands of jobs are in jeopardy due to a failure to come to terms on government investment,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The situation is as serious as it gets. This needs to be resolved immediately to preserve workers’ livelihoods and construction of the EV plant can resume.”