Bargaining

School bus drivers support possible strike if negotiations collapse

AJAX/WHITBY– School bus drivers employed by the multinational operator First Student voted overwhelmingly to support strike action if necessary, with 95% in favour, if a tentative agreement is not reached.

“We will be working hard to resolve this impasse but at the end of the day these drivers have a huge responsibility and the employer, school boards and the provincial government need to recognize and appropriately compensate them for their work,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Naureen Rizvi.

Oakville transit drivers give 72-hour strike notice

OAKVILLE – Unifor Local 1256 announced Monday it was giving Oakville Transit 72 hours’ strike notice after the company’s latest offer was rejected by its members.

“No one should be surprised that these essential workers at Oakville Transit are frustrated and rejected the company’s offer,” said Tim Mitchell, Unifor National Representative. “The issues on the table are both monetary in nature as well as related to working conditions, at a time of uncertainty, with COVID fatigue and high inflation.”

Atlantic and Clerical members reach Maintenance of Activities agreement with Bell

Bargaining Update: Bell Aliant and Bell Clerical Negotiations

The Bargaining Committees of Unifor Atlantic Communication Locals (ACL) and Bell Clerical workers are pleased to report that we reached a Maintenance of Activities (MOA) agreement with the employer. Bargaining will begin on February 15, 2022 for the Bell Clerical group and on February 18, 2022 for the Bell workers in the Atlantic.

Both bargaining units reached agreements that are consistent with previous MOAs.

Unifor members at Canteen Canada (Compass Group) ratify new agreement

Unifor Local 414 members at Canteen of Canada (Compass Group) ratified a new collective agreement that boosts wages, improves job security, and introduces a new Racial Justice Advocate position.

“In these increasingly difficult and uncertain times, we were focused on providing a more certain future for our members,” said Tony Falcone, Unifor Local 414 Vice President. “Thanks to our dedicated bargaining team, we delivered an agreement that strengthens union members’ job security provisions and clearly spells out work ownership.”

Whistler transit negotiations break down

WHISTLER—Strike action will begin at 5 a.m. on Saturday, January 29 as B.C. Transit’s contractors refuse to close the pay gap for Whistler-area transit operators, says Unifor.

“We are prepared to negotiate but we cannot say the same for B.C. Transit’s contractors in Whistler, Squamish, and Pemberton,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Without a fair offer to vote on, our member will take strike action.” 

Returning for National Bargaining 2022

Recap

Last year upon the completion of provincial bargaining, the restrictions in place meant we did a one year roll over collective agreement that was ratified by the membership with a wage increase that is due to expire on March 31, 2022.

Where we are at

Your national bargaining committee had plans to convene in Toronto the last week of January to commence negotiations. With the current pandemic status and the multiple restrictions, been put in place is making us reevaluate the timing of negotiations.