Bargaining

Unifor members working at Produits Forestiers Résolu in Quebec ratified tentative agreements the week of May 26, 2023, covering 10 contracts.

Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier, who was present throughout the negotiations, said this new contract is a major step for workers in the forestry industry.

"Unifor members can now look to the future with confidence, knowing that their rights and professional interests are protected by strong and fair agreements," he said.

Unifor has learned that Marquis Imprimeur in Quebec has been sold to Lakeside Book, the largest book printer in North America.

On June 1, 2023, Marquis Imprimeur met with unionized workers at the Louiseville, Que. printing plant to break the unsettling news to workers, as well as to reassure them of their job security. According to the employer, skilled labor is an important part of the transaction between Lakeside and Marquis printing companies.

WINGHAM, ON—A Wescast Industries internal company memo obtained by Unifor says the Wingham foundry’s overseas owners will not close the facility, a claim the union says is dubious.

“The record of Wescast management and its owner is one of broken promises, repeated violations of the collective agreement and disrespect towards workers,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Our union is not going to take the company’s claims on faith. At this time, Wescast’s words are not worth the paper they’re printed on.”

TROIS-RIVIERES, QUE. – Unifor members working for Kruger Wayagamac Inc. paper mill went on strike beginning June 1, at 12 p.m.

Unifor began negotiations with the employer on May 23 over a 10-day period, but union rejected the company’s latest offer.

The workers are demanding better working conditions, particularly improved wages.

"We have reached the salary negotiation phase, and the employer is failing to meet our demands and priorities,” said Joël Vigeant, Unifor National Representative and Forestry Coordinator for the union.

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.