WINNIPEG—Unifor enthusiastically supports the Manitoba government’s reported intention to introduce anti-scab legislation and single-step union certification.
WINNIPEG—Wage increases, a signing bonus and shift premiums are highlights of a new collective agreement ratified by Unifor Local 144 members at the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation.
“The previous conservative government left gaming sector workers behind,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “The gains in this contract help address the economic circumstances workers face, including the rising cost of living.”
CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C.—Unifor Local 3019 members are considering next steps after learning the company has filed for creditor protection under the Companies Creditor Arrangement Act (CCAA).
“We are going to fight for our members to ensure they get the severance and support they deserve,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.
Mine operations will enter a “care and maintenance” phase. Most Unifor members will be immediately laid off and paid for two weeks.
TORONTO — Unifor is denouncing FTG Aerospace for using scab labour amid an ongoing labour dispute at its Toronto facility.
"FTG’s decision to use scab labour is completely unacceptable. The company is demonstrating its complete lack of respect for its own employees while attempting to draw out this dispute at the same time,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Scabs are not qualified or certified to perform the work our highly-skilled members do and this poses a major safety concern.”
HALIFAX — Unifor applauds the Nova Scotia government’s decision to extend group benefits and a defined benefit pension plan to child care workers in the province.
After a decade-long hiatus, the Unifor Education department successfully reintroduced the 4-Week Paid Education Leave (PEL) program this year. Originating in 1978 at the Unifor Education Centre, this influential program has impacted over 6,500 graduates, shaping them into leaders within their communities, workplaces, local unions, and the national union.
This year's resurgence of the 4-Week PEL program is not just a comeback; it's a homage to the program's historical significance within the union.
Unifor welcomes 35 school bus drivers and mechanics at First Student Bus in Prescott, Ont. as the group voted overwhelmingly for certification by 92% on Dec. 13.
“Congratulations to our new members at First Student Bus who have chosen Unifor to represent them,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “School bus operators are an integral part of the public education system with important responsibilities, and we look forward to bargaining your first agreement.”
Certification by the Ontario Labour Relations Board is pending.
WINNIPEG—Unifor Local 144 members will vote on a contract later this week after negotiations produced a tentative agreement today.
“Our members at Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries demonstrated to the employer they were fed up with the status quo,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Their solidarity and skilled bargaining has resulted in a contract they can be proud of.”
TORONTO – Unifor aviation members are gathering today at Pearson International Airport during the busy holiday travel season to bring awareness to poor working conditions in the sector that lead to delays, cancellations, lost baggage, and packed airports.
“We all know that travel chaos is common, even without the holiday rush,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.
Editorial by Lana Payne, Unifor National President
Holiday travel often comes with dread and anxiety for many. Delays, lost baggage, packed airports.
As a union representing aviation workers from baggage handlers to air traffic controllers, we and our members understand that these busy times expose and amplify many of the underlying problems in the sector.
We reiterate our call for the federal government, airports and airlines to work together to tackle the root problems causing disarray in the aviation industry.
We want to update you on the most recent developments in our ongoing negotiations with the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission.
Unifor has issued a notice of dispute, and we are currently waiting for a Federal Conciliator and a Provincial Mediator to be appointed.
As a provincially funded entity, the ONTC received a mandate that does not meet the needs of our membership. As a result, your bargaining committee rejected the employer’s latest proposal and has directed the ONTC to seek an updated mandate from the province.
Unifor members in the aviation sector are rallying at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport on Dec. 18 as a Day of Action for better working and travelling conditions.
Low wages, unpredictable hours, multiple part-time jobs to make ends meet and harassment are just a few of the issues faced by thousands of air transport workers at airports across the country.
These issues are wreaking havoc across the industry causing a worker attraction and retention crisis that industry and government refuse to properly address.
COMOX, B.C.– Unifor Local 114 members at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) began strike action this morning in Comox and Campbell River, B.C. to make a stand to improve public transit.
“We don’t take strike action lightly, but this is about fairness for our drivers, and this is about fixing the systemic problems in our transit system to provide better working conditions and quality service for the public,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle.
MONTREAL - Unifor announced a significant donation of $70,000 today in support of public sector workers engaged in strike action for better working conditions and quality public services in Quebec.
"At this crucial point in the negotiations, the government is counting on the strikers' exhaustion. By calling for solidarity, we hope to inspire other unions to join us in supporting their colleagues in the public services. Together, we can demonstrate that the collective strength of workers is unshakeable," said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier.
VANCOUVER – Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) bus services will be completely withdrawn in Comox Valley and Campbell River, B.C., as of Fri., Dec. 15 at 4:30 a.m., after contract negotiations failed between the company and members of Unifor Local 114.
HandyDART will still be available on essential service only levels during the labour action.
The union submitted a 72-hour strike notice to PWTransit on December 11, 2023.
Local 114’s contract with PWTransit expired March 31, 2023.
December 18th marks UN International Migrants Day, a day where we recognize not only the challenges faced by migrants around the world, but the vital contributions they make every day, both in our communities and workplaces.
Unifor Local 302 members employed at Marshall Gowland Manor have in Sarnia, Ontario overwhelmingly voted 97 per cent in favour of ratifying their new collective.
"From the outset of our bargaining efforts, our top priority has always been the well-being of our members," said Rusty Sproul, Local 302 Treasurer. "This agreement not only secures the livelihoods of our 142 dedicated members, but also establishes a promising foundation for future negotiations."
VANCOUVER – Unifor has submitted a 72-hour strike notice to Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) after Local 114 transit workers voted to reject a tentative agreement.
The strike deadline is 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023.
Local 114’s contract with PWTransit expired March 31, 2023.
PWT is contracted by BC Transit to provide services in Campbell River and Comox Valley, B.C. and work as transit operators, handy dart operators, mechanics, and cleaners.
This past year, Unifor members have faced more strikes and lockouts than at any time in the union’s 10-year history.
Making the decision to go on strike is a difficult one for workers. It takes an emotional and financial toll on individuals and families. It’s a measure of last resort, and for good reason. That’s why strikes occur in less than two percent of union contract negotiations.
This month, the federal government, with crucial backing from the NDP, tabled Bill C-58.
CALGARY—Representatives from Unifor’s energy local unions have ratified the tentative agreement that establishes the pattern for more than 7,500 members of the union’s National Energy Program.
“I congratulate the bargaining committee on setting this new pattern for our members across the energy sector,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “It was a difficult round of bargaining making it all the more important for locals to work together in order to make progress for our energy members.”
This is the 75th year since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights came to life. Given the state of the world today, these rights and the leadership and inspiration behind them have never been more needed.
VANCOUVER – Unifor members working at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) in Comox Valley and Campbell River, B.C. have reached a tentative deal with the employer.
A ratification vote is scheduled to take place Sunday, Dec. 10.
More details about the contract will be released following ratification.
Local 114’s contract with PWT expired March 31, 2023.
KINCARDINE—More than 120 Unifor members at Sobeys Kincardine could be on strike effective 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 7 if the employer, who profited $261 million last quarter alone, does not come to the table with a fair agreement. “Our union is here to deliver improvements in pay and working conditions across the board for grocery workers,” says Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “We expect Sobeys to do as Metro and Loblaws have done and meet our members’ expectations. ”
Unifor marked its 10th anniversary in 2023 and as we reach the end of the year, we look back at how far we've come and how much stronger we are now. Solidarity, and here's to the next ten years together.
Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer provides remarks to ORC 2023 delegates to discuss important campaigns to create good jobs and our union’s significant role in combating corporate greed and profiteering.
“We will not tolerate a company that prioritizes profit over people, that values division over unity, and that disregards the mental health and morale of its workforce.”
Samia Hashi, Unifor Ontario Regional Director, shares heartfelt remarks to hundreds of delegates at ORC 2023.
“We’ve already made a lot of history this year with consecutive bargaining wins, underdogs winning against corporate bullies and the growing power of workers across this country. And I know the next year will be even bigger and bolder.”
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