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Unifor members stop CN train in Winnipeg

On March 14 Unifor members in Winnipeg safely stopped a CN train in solidarity with members on strike at CN Autoport in Halifax. Watch Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle describe the escalating actions taking place across Canada against CN.

Solidarity action stops CN train in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG—A CN train was safely stopped during a solidarity action by Unifor members in Winnipeg this evening as part of an escalation caused by the company’s use of scab labour in Halifax.

“CN cannot escape the spotlight. The shameful behaviour by CN Autoport in Halifax will be met with resistance across our union,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “CN can expect more unscheduled disruption from coast-to-coast if it continues strike-busting tactics.”

Anti-scab legislation must pass without delay

By Lana Payne

My hope for Canadian workers is that decades of struggle to advance workers’ rights in this country have reached a critical turning point.

The federal government-sponsored Bill C-58, a law that would ban the use of scab labour in strikes and lockouts, is an example of that hope. The decision of the new Manitoba government to introduce similar legislation is another.

We live in a time where hope must be turned into reality.

Unifor celebrates International Women’s Day at events from coast to coast

International Women’s Day began because of union action by a determined group of women standing up for their rights at work more than a century ago. Unifor continues that tradition every day through solidarity, education, collective bargaining and political action that builds equity in workplaces and in communities. 

But on March 8, we took a moment to gather, celebrate these achievements, and sometimes even squeeze in brunch!

Celebrate with us and see the faces of the women leading the change toward equity across Unifor workplaces.

Ontario Northland workers ratify tentative agreement

Unifor Local 103 members working at Ontario Northland Transportation Commission ratify tentative agreement.

"This ratified agreement shows what a strong and united membership can accomplish at the bargaining table," said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. "Congratulations to the bargaining committee and to every Local 103 member for their dedication in achieving such a great collective agreement."

Concorde Airport Services workers at Calgary airport join Unifor

Unifor welcomes 69 new members working at Concorde Airport Services in the Calgary International Airport, who voted almost 85% in favour of joining the union.

“We are thrilled these aviation workers have exercised their right to join a union, and have chosen Unifor,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

“Democracy at work starts with having a say in your working conditions.”

The certification for this unit took place March 8, 2024, and is assigned to Unifor Local 4050.

Forestry Workers’ Summit unites workers in effort to strengthen sector

VICTORIA—Rank-and-file forestry workers, union leaders, policymakers, and researchers gathered to hash out solutions to the crisis facing British Columbia’s forestry industry during a policy summit on March 12 in Victoria.

The summit, jointly hosted by Unifor, the United Steelworkers union (USW), and the Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC), was an unprecedented gathering of workers who have experienced firsthand the many mill closures and related job losses in an industry that was once world-renowned.

Unifor members at Zayo ratify contract with largest wage gains since 1980s

Unifor Local 2000A members have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year agreement with their employer, Zayo, an American telecommunications company headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. The agreement, reached after rigorous negotiations, marks a significant milestone as they achieved the largest wage gains in nearly 50 years.

Unifor and Ontario Northland reach tentative agreement

NORTH BAY – Unifor Local 103 representing workers at Ontario Northland have reached a tentative agreement.

"Entering negotiations, we had one goal in mind: to negotiate an agreement that shows the true value of our members, and we believe this tentative agreement does exactly that," said Jeremy Rodgers, President of Unifor Local 103. "We would not have been able to negotiate this agreement without the solidarity and support of our membership."

New equity positions big wins in Masco Canada contract

Unifor Local 27 members have ratified a new three-year agreement with their manufacturing employer, Masco Canada in St. Thomas, Ont. on March 5.

 “Congratulations to the bargaining committee for their dedicated hard work negotiating a fair contract for our manufacturing members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Every step towards making a workplace more inclusive is a move in the right direction.”

RailLine Volume 11 – Issue 9

Ontario Northland Bargaining Update

Dear Members,

As we approach the strike deadline on March 12, at 12:01 a.m., we want to update you on our efforts to secure a fair deal. 

Bargaining began last summer, focusing on improving benefits and wages, with the company showing willingness to enhance the package, pending approval from the Ontario Treasury Board. However, to date, we have yet to secure an agreement that truly reflects the value our members bring to Ontario Northland.

Ontario Northland workers gear up for potential strike action

NORTH BAY - Workers at Ontario Northland are heading towards a strike deadline with a strong mandate for action, echoing a commitment to secure a fair collective agreement.

“Despite the challenges, our members have remained steadfast, demonstrating their resilience and determination to fight for what is just,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “It’s disheartening to see the disparity between the treatment of our hardworking members and the executive level’s payout.”

Unifor launches “Shame on Bell” campaign leading up to March 19 testimony by company execs

Unifor has launched its new “Shame on Bell” campaign today in response to the telecommunications and media giant’s callous decision last month to slash 4,800 jobs, including 800 of our members in telco and media.

“We promised Bell a fight and they are going to get one,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Our union is not standing by idly while this company hands out pink slips, while profiting billions. Workers who have helped grow this company from the ground up are not disposable.”

Reducing methane leaks should create good jobs

Unifor is actively campaigning to ensure Canada’s efforts to mitigate methane emissions along Canada’s natural gas infrastructure relies on good union jobs. 

On February 20, Unifor National President Lana Payne wrote to federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson to detail recommendations for reducing methane leaks across the natural gas supply chain. The letter augments a written submission to the federal government’s regulatory body earlier in 2024.

Cancarb workers join Unifor

More than 50 workers at Cancarb in Medicine Hat have joined Unifor after a certification vote on February 26 and 27, 2024. They will join the amalgamated Unifor Local 4050.

“We are thrilled to welcome Cancarb workers to Unifor,” said Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle. “We’re going to get to work right away on a contract to secure compensation and improve working conditions.”

Unifor members ratify contract with Jamieson Laboratories

WINDSOR – The 317 members of Unifor Local 195 employed by Jamieson have ratified a new collective agreement, ending a 34-day strike.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for holding steady during some difficult negotiations and fighting for a contract their members could support,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“As well, my sincere thanks to our members and their families, for showing up on the picket line, day in and day out, remaining strong in your resolve and solidarity.” 

Thunder Bay rallies for fair hospital worker contracts

In the heart of Thunder Bay, hospital workers represented by Unifor, SEIU and CUPE rallied to demand the Ontario Hospital Association negotiate a collective agreement that ensures healthcare workers are compensated fairly for their tireless efforts, especially in the challenging times of recent years.

Letter to Premier Houston re.: Use of scabs in CN Rail Autoport

Dear Premier Houston,

We write to you regarding a new labour dispute involving 239 Unifor members in Nova Scotia.

Less than eight hours into the Unifor Local 100 strike at Autoport in Eastern Passage, the employer, CN Rail, brought in scabs. Our union can only interpret this as a blatant attempt by CN Rail to disrupt the legal strike and undermine our members’ constitutional right to bargain and reach a fair collective agreement.

Unifor reaches tentative agreement with Jamieson Laboratories

WINDSOR – Unifor has reached a tentative agreement with Jamieson Laboratories in Windsor, Ont. on behalf of 317 members of Local 195.

The members have been engaged in strike since February 1. No details will be released until the ratification meeting, scheduled for March 5.

GreenShield Canada workers go on strike

WINDSOR – The over 600 members of Unifor who work at GreenShield Canada’s Windsor and Toronto offices went on strike just after midnight on March 1.

"It is extremely disappointing that a deal could not be reached,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

Unifor celebrates advancement towards universal pharmacare

OTTAWA - Unifor welcomes the federal government's tabling of new pharmacare legislation that lays the groundwork towards the realization of a universal pharmacare program in Canada. 

"Today’s historic victory is important for many reasons and especially during these challenging 

Arrest of reporter Brandi Morin alarming for Canadian news democracy

Unifor condemns the arrest of journalist Brandi Morin, calling on authorities to drop all charges as she heads into her next court date on March 1, 2024.

Morin, an award-winning journalist and author, was arrested Jan. 10, 2024, while covering people living in an encampment as the Edmonton police cleared the under-housed people out. 

She was arrested for not sticking to the exclusion zone police had set up for reporters.