This was published on May 5, 2016 in the Huffington Post
The ideal of a democracy such as ours is that we elect governments to enact laws in the general public interest. We may not each like every single law that is passed, but overall the laws passed should be in our general good interest.
As flames continue to engulf the city, Unifor’s thoughts are with the people of Fort McMurray during these difficult days. Thousands of families have been forced to flee the lives they've spent years building in that community. We hope they find safe haven and some comfort in the support of loved ones and others reaching out to help.
TORONTO, May 2, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor Local 7378 representing Sunwing Airlines pilots have given a 96% strike mandate to its negotiating team.
Unifor's National Transportation Director, Joel Fournier said, "The vote sends a strong message to Sunwing management who attempted to conducted parallel meetings to try to convince the pilots not to support their Bargaining Committee."
VICTORIA, April 29, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Coast Guard is not budging from its plans to close Marine Communication and Traffic Services (MCTS) center Comox despite a massive radio outage that began Thursday evening affecting the entire west coast of Vancouver Island.
Published in the Huffington Post Wednesday April 27, 2016
The digital revolution has brought many wonderful things.
Canadians can plug into international events from the comfort of their own home or office, or from just about anywhere thanks to mobile devices. And the world, we hope, can do the same to find out about the great north – Canada.
The challenge, it seems, is in making sure there’s Canadian content for the world to find and enjoy.
A review of Canadian content rules announced last week is welcome news, as long as it is done right.
May Day is a day to celebrate the achievements that working people and their unions have won through resistance and solidarity: democratic rights, human rights and decent work for millions of people.
Our demand for social justice and worker justice requires collective strength and an ongoing and committed effort. Until politicians attend to the interests of working people and until corporations and the wealthiest among us recognize that their economic advantages have been secured on the backs of workers and the most vulnerable, we will continue with this struggle.
Published in the Huffington Post Wednesday April 20, 2016
Two of Canada’s provinces that rely heavily on oil revenues are responding in completely different ways to the drop in oil prices.
Both brought down new budgets last Thursday. One is looking after its people through the tough times. The other is turning the screws on its hardest hit, just when they can afford it least.
On Thursday April 28, we mark the National Day of Mourning as we stop to remember all those lost to workplace injury or illness and honour the memory of our seven fallen Unifor brothers who died on the job since the last Day of Mourning in 2015.
Willie Craig, L1309, Sussex, New Brunswick, February 29, 2016
Richard Pigeau, L598, Sudbury, Ontario, October 20, 2015
Ronnie Warren, L5080, Plaster Rock, New Brunswick, September 23, 2015
Sarvandas “Sarva” Kanagaratham, L112, Woodbridge, Ontario, September 2, 2015
Unifor was out in force as TPP consultations began in Vancouver on April 18, taking part in an Open Media organized rally outside the hotel where the consultations were taking place. A big Jumbotron was set up outside the hotel, broadcasting messages about the TPP, including several from Unifor National President Jerry Dias and regional directors. To see what appeared on the Jumbotron, click here.
EDMONTON, April 14, 2016 /CNW/ - Canada's largest union in the energy sector says that the NDP government has found the right balance between maintaining core social services and investing in infrastructure that will help Alberta grow.