Bargaining

VIA Rail bargaining continues; next dates set for May

Update from the bargaining table:

Council 4000 and Local 100 master bargaining committees met with VIA Rail this week, from April 14 to 17, as part of the ongoing conciliation process.

TORONTO—Nearly 100 newly unionized food service workers at Oakham House have ratified their first collective agreement as members of Unifor Local 591-G, securing major improvements to wages, benefits, and working conditions.

“Forming a union was a brave choice for Oakham House workers and it is paying off with a strong first collective agreement,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We’re thrilled with what the bargaining committee at Local 591-G was able to accomplish.”

ST. JOHN’S—More than 120 Unifor members gathered in St. John’s this week to coordinate strategies and adopt proposals ahead of upcoming national energy and chemicals sector negotiations.

The three-day gathering brought together local union leadership and bargaining committee members from across the country, united under the National Energy and Chemicals Bargaining Program. Participants officially adopted bargaining proposals that had been developed by locals and reviewed by the program’s advisory committee.

INGERSOLL—The news of General Motors' decision to temporarily halt and then reduce production of the BrightDrop electric delivery van at CAMI Assembly Plant is devastating for Unifor members, their families, and the entire Ingersoll community.

Members of Unifor Local 823 Mine & Office Unit at Windsor Salt in Pugwash, N.S., ratified a four-year collective agreement that sees strong improvements to wages and benefits.

“I congratulate the bargaining committee and Local 823 members at Windsor Salt who used their collective power to improve their working conditions,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “As we collectively focus on buying Canadian goods, we can celebrate in knowing Windsor Salt products are sourced and prepared here at home by Unifor members.”

Unifor members at Blue Water Rest Home in Zurich, Ontario have ratified a new two-year collective agreement.

“This agreement is a testament to the strength and determination of our long-term care members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “They do critical work in challenging conditions and they deserve contracts that reflect that value.”

Unifor Local 27 members at St. Joseph’s Health Care London have ratified a new three-year collective agreement that delivers strong gains in wages and benefits.

WINDSOR— Stellantis has responded to the imposition of a 25% auto tariff with the temporary layoff of thousands of Unifor Local 444 members at Windsor Assembly Plant and additional layoffs in Mexico and at U.S. facilities. 

TORONTO—Unifor condemns Bell Canada Enterprises (BCE) executives for awarding themselves more than $5 million in bonuses, including nearly $2.4 million to CEO Mirko Bibic, following massive job cuts and stock drops.

“This announcement dropped on April Fool’s Day, but sadly, this is no joke,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

“The company laid off thousands, its stock went down by 30% and yet, the richest and most powerful continue to profit off the back of our members.”