All News

Unifor, CN and Indspire collaborate to support Indigenous education

TORONTO, Dec. 2, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor and CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI), in cooperation with registered charity Indspire, have established a scholarship and bursary program for Indigenous students, with the goal of advancing the academic outcomes of Indigenous post-secondary students across Canada.

Unifor to hold Ontario Regional Council

TORONTO, Dec. 2, 2016 /CNW/ - More than 900 Unifor members, representing Locals from across Ontario, will participate in Unifor's Ontario Regional Council, December 2-4, 2016, at the Sheraton Centre, 123 Queen St W, Toronto.

Delegates will discuss, debate and vote on priorities to chart political action and social justice campaigns for the next year.

Conference keynote speakers include:

Report on electoral reform a betrayal: Unifor

TORONTO, Dec. 1, 2016 /CNW/ - Today's report on electoral reform calling for a referendum will only delay much-needed changes to our voting system that Canadians were promised and have been clear in wanting, Unifor says.

Unifor calls for expanded local news and ethnic programming

GATINEAU, QC, Nov. 30, 2016 /CNW/ - Appearing before the CRTC as it discusses the future of local TV news in Canada, Unifor called for strong measures to boost local news programming, including calling for restoration of expanded programming in Italian, Punjabi, Cantonese and Mandarin.

Unifor makes CETA submission

Unifor made a written submission to the Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT) hearings into Bill C-30 to implement the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the European Union, telling the committee that there has never been a proper review of the full text of the deal - and that the deal and the circumstance surrounding it have changed dramatically since it was first announced. For the full submission, click here.

Kinder Morgan decision disappointing: Unifor

VANCOUVER, Nov. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - A decision by the federal government to approve the Trans Mountain Expansion Project is disappointing, Canada's largest union in the private sector says, vowing to continue to speak out on the pipeline.

"The evidence on Kinder Morgan has been very clear from the beginning. The expansion provides too much risk to justify going ahead," said Joie Warnock, Unifor Western Regional Director.

Strike over at Niagara on the Lake parts plant

ST. CATHARINES, Nov. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - A two-week strike at Industrial Management Group in Niagara on the Lake is over after Unifor Local 199 reached a tentative agreement with the employer that was ratified by the membership.

Good Jobs Roundtable meets with federal ministers

OTTAWA, Nov. 28, 2016 /CNW/ - A unique roundtable group of labour, business, student and community leaders met today with senior members of the federal cabinet to discuss ways to create more good jobs in this country.

"Today's meeting shows what is possible when we work together," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias, who chaired the day-long meeting of the roundtable.

CETA ratification as undemocratic as the deal itself

The federal government is ramming ratification of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) through Parliament in a process as undemocratic as the deal itself.

Bill C-30 to implement the trade deal with Europe was brought before Parliament for second reading this week, and is expected to pass by today. Trade committee hearings into the bill, which normally start after second reading, have already begun, and are due to wrap up November 29.

Unifor members ratify agreement with WECDSB

WINDSOR, ON, Nov. 19, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor support workers at the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board have ratified a new collective agreement, bringing a five-week work stoppage to an end.

"Our members are pleased to be returning on Monday to resume frontline work to aid students and provide a safe and healthy school environment," said Unifor Local 2458 President Bruce Dickie.

Toronto, York school bus contract ratified

TORONTO, Nov. 10, 2016 /CNW/ - School bus drivers in Toronto and York Region, members of Unifor Local 4268, ratified a new collective agreement setting new standards that could help avoid driver shortages if more widely adopted.

Reflecting on the US election

In the aftermath of the US election, many of us have been thinking and talking about the outcome and what difficulties lay ahead. Although the results may have been a devastating surprise, the voters have spoken. I believe that this outcome is a reflection of a deep mistrust in politics and of politicians. It is also a stark reminder that sexism and racism continue to have a powerful influence in our lives and fuel hate.

We cannot allow this hatred to go unchecked and set us backwards.

Spying on journalists should never be easy, says Unifor's Jerry Dias

TORONTO, Nov. 10, 2016 /CNW/ - The country's top media union is calling for strict measures to restrict the ability of police to put journalists under surveillance.

"It is too easy to spy on journalists in Canada and impede freedom of the press in Canada," says Unifor President Jerry Dias.

Unifor workers at Food Basics ratify contract

TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor members of Local 414 at 20 Food Basics stores in communities across Ontario ratified a new four-year collective agreement by 79 per cent. Votes were held in various locations from October 30 to November 6.

Brad Wall targets Moose Jaw for more unnecessary layoffs

MOOSE JAW, Nov. 7, 2016 /CNW/ - The lives of more Moose Jaw residents have been turned upside down by layoffs, thanks to Premier Brad Wall. Twenty-one workers at SaskTel were given notice this afternoon.

"When will it stop? This is a vibrant community that suffers every time good jobs vanish," said Joie Warnock, Unifor Western Director. "There is no justification for moving this work away from Moose Jaw."

Unifor autoworkers ratify agreement with Ford

TORONTO, Nov. 6, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor concludes negotiations with the Detroit Three automakers, after members ratify a four-year contract with Ford securing $713 million in investment, new product, more than 500 jobs, and wage improvements.

Unifor autoworkers ratify agreement with Ford

Unifor concludes negotiations with the Detroit Three automakers, after members ratify a four-year contract with Ford securing $713 million in investment, new product, more than 500 jobs, and wage improvements. All three tentative agreements with Ford were ratified by members. Across all bargaining units, the contract was approved with a vote of 58 per cent.

Federal transportation infrastructure strategy must pass "good jobs test"

MONTREAL, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - The federal government's new strategy for transportation infrastructure should be judged on the good jobs and public value it creates, says Unifor.

"We welcome renewal of vital infrastructure, but the government's top priority has to be good job creation and public ownership," said Unifor National President, Jerry Dias. "The onus is on Minister Garneau to demonstrate how this plan will generate more good jobs and long-term value for Canadians."

School bus strike averted

TORONTO, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor, the union representing school bus drivers at the Toronto and York public and Catholic school boards reached a tentative agreement with First Student bus company, averting a strike or lockout.

School bus union waiting to resume talks

TORONTO, Nov. 2, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor, the union representing school bus drivers for both the Toronto public and Catholic school boards, says it is waiting at the table to negotiate with First Student bus company as the strike or lockout deadline approaches.  

Toronto school bus driver contract talks continue

TORONTO, Nov. 1, 2016 /CNW/ - School bus drivers for both the Toronto public and Catholic school boards continue contract talks with First Student Bus Company ahead of a strike or lockout deadline Thursday.

"In a year when both boards were hit with driver shortages, it is more important than ever that we reach a deal that will help to both recruit and retain drivers in this city," said Unifor Local 4268 President Deb Montgomery.

Unifor locks-in pattern with Ford

TORONTO, Nov. 1, 2016 /CNW/ - On the verge of a strike, Unifor reaches a tentative agreement with Ford to secure its Canadian manufacturing footprint and reinforce the economic pattern established with General Motors (GM).

TPP consultations extended again

As Unifor activists began their lobby of MPs on the TPP, news came that the deadline for public consultations has been extended.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade announced that public submissions on the deal can now be made until until January 27, 2017. The deadline had been October 31.

This is the third time consultations have been extended. The original deadline was April 30, which was initially extended to June 30, before being extended a second time to October 31.

Tentative agreement reached with Ford

A tentative collective agreement was reached, averting a strike at Ford. The contract is unanimously recommended by the entire Master and Local Bargaining committees. Unifor members will have the final say on the tentative agreement when a vote is held at local membership meetings on Saturday November 5 and  Sunday, November 6.

Unifor welcomes proactive approach to transport safety

TORONTO, Oct. 31, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor, representing 46,000 members in the transportation sector, welcomes today's call by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) for a more proactive approach to safety across the nation's transportation network.