All News

Unifor welcomes necessary federal tariff on Chinese EV

TORONTO—Unifor welcomes the federal government decision to impose an additional 100% tariff on all new energy vehicles imported from China as well as a new 25% tariff on imports of steel and aluminum.

MABE Canada retirees gather to mark the 10th anniversary of their former employer’s closure

MONTREAL–Unifor will be holding a gathering to mark the 10th anniversary of the closure of MABE, after it filed for bankruptcy and workers lost their group insurance and life insurance and 22% of their pension.

“For the past 10 years, Unifor has stood by the retirees and former employees of MABE in their fight for respect and justice,” said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier. “The employer has tried to wear them down, but they are a resilient group and they can count on Unifor’s unwavering support.” 

Unifor members to rally in support of striking workers at Residence Inn

VANCOUVER—Unifor members from across Metro Vancouver will show support for the Local 433 members on strike at the Residence Inn with a lunch-hour rally.

“Hospitality workers are the backbone of the tourism industry in Vancouver,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “They deserve safe working conditions and wages that keep pace with the region’s sky-high cost of living.”

What: Rally for Residence Inn workers 

Who: Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle and Unifor members

Women’s conference builds connections and explores how union sisters can fight – and win – for equity

Nearly 400 women gathered at the Unifor Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, ON, for a three-day conference packed with informative, emotional, and inspiring speakers and sessions.

The centre itself is a hub for empowering women and Unifor Women’s Director Tracey Ramsey shared how her experiences attending a Women’s Conferences led to her running for office – and winning as a federal MP –– and to her current role in the union where she strives to help other sisters rise to their potential.

About Dwayne Wabegijig

“The piece that I designed for the Orange Shirt is depicting the potential of every child. They hold all of their possibilities in their hands, nurtured by the sun and guided by the Creator represented by the Eagle.”

Unifor Contributes $25,000 to ASAHTOWIKAMIK Food Hub

Unifor representatives Dan Bailey and Claudine Stom attended the August 16 opening of the ASAHTOWIKAMIK Food Hub in Regina, a groundbreaking facility dedicated to addressing food insecurity. Unifor’s $25,000 donation is part of the union’s ongoing commitment to social justice and community support, helping to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to nutritious food in a dignified manner.

Unifor locals ratify agreements at Marine Atlantic

Unifor members at Marine Atlantic have ratified two new three-year agreements.

“For years, Marine Atlantic dragged out the negotiating process, frustrating our members and undermining their right to fair and free collective bargaining. This time we engaged a new bargaining strategy with the employer,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Key wage gains in new CTV Ottawa contract

Unifor members at CTV Ottawa have ratified a new three-year deal with their employer this week.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for fighting for the needs of our members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“We all know the state the media sector is in and every contract our union bargains to strengthen wages and create more job security for journalists and media workers helps make their lives more stable.”

Unifor Statement – Softwood Lumber Duties

Unifor, representing 320,000 workers including 24,000 workers in the forestry sector, is disappointed and frustrated with the United States’ continued attack on Canada’s softwood lumber industry. Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced an increase in countervailing and anti-dumping duties on Canadian lumber exports as parts of its fifth administrative review. These new duties exceed the preliminary rate announced in February 2024.  The U.S.

Unifor meets with Manitoba government to discuss energy jobs and climate action

WINNIPEG—Unifor leaders met with Manitoba’s Minister of Finance and Energy Adrien Sala and Minister of Environment and Climate Change Tracy Schmidt to advocate for the protection and expansion of energy sector jobs, as well as to address the critical issue of fugitive methane emissions. This meeting was part of Unifor’s broader "Keep It In the Pipe" campaign, which emphasizes reducing methane emissions and ensuring good jobs remain in the pipeline.

Letter to Premier Andrew Furey re.: Impacts of SaltWire Sale

August 14, 2024

Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
Confederation Building, East Block   
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL
Sent VIA Email

Premier Furey,

I’m reaching out today to request a meeting with you at your earliest availability to discuss the impacts of the recent SaltWire sale on media workers and on communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Unifor members ratify new contract with HCL Logistics

LONDON—Members of Unifor Local 27 secured wage increase in a new collective agreement ratified August 9 with the warehousing firm HCL Logistics, ending an 18-day strike. 

“Local 27’s fight for fairness has resulted in a contract that ensures wages and working conditions keep up with Ontario’s rising costs of living,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

The three-year contract increases wages by more than 17% by 2027. The agreement also improves health and safety procedures and augments the boot allowance. 

Unifor and communities join forces to save Téminscaming plant

On August 8th, Unifor Local 233 organized a huge solidarity barbecue in Témiscaming in support of the workers affected by the brutal closure of the RYAM high-purity cellulose plant. The gathering, intended to denounce the unexpected closure, turned into a peaceful blockade of the Ontario-Quebec border, illustrating the deep frustration and determination of the employees and their supporters.

Unifor members ratify new collective agreement with Tepperman's

LONDON—Wage increases and retirement security are key highlights of a new collective agreement ratified by Unifor Local 414.

“Part-time workers deserve access to a pension. I want to congratulate Local 414 for making that a reality at Tepperman's,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

The new three-year collective agreement adds part-time workers to the pension plan and increases full-time workers’ wages by $4 per hour by 2027. The local also secured a $600 bonus ($250 for part-time workers) and an increase to the boot allowance.

Unifor ‘jumps up’ at Toronto Caribbean Carnival

You can’t help but jump up and wave when it comes the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, which took place on Aug. 3 in Toronto’s Exhibition Place.

“Unifor is proud to support our members as they participate, showcase, and highlight their rich identity and culture at this year’s Toronto Caribbean Carnival while also organizing for a better more equal world,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.  

Unifor members at Canadoil Forge go on strike

Bécancour, QC - Members of Unifor Local 700 working at Canadoil Forge Ltd in Bécancour went on strike on the morning of July 29. This decision was taken following unsuccessful negotiations with the employer on several crucial issues.