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Unifor Local 598 members reach new agreement with Glencore

SUDBURY, Ont.–Unifor Local 598 Mine, Mill and Smelter Workers’ Union workers voted to approve a new collective agreement that sees annual cost-of-living increases that includes a new minimum cola roll-in of $0.46 in addition to percentage wage increases, increased shift premiums, a redesigned nickel bonus and other gains.

Canada must hit back hard and fast as Trump declares economic war on Canadian workers

TORONTO— Canada must retaliate swiftly and definitively to the unjust imposition of a sweeping 25% tariff on Canadian goods and 10% tariff on energy imported to the United States, says Unifor.

“With the implementation of these tariffs, President Trump has declared a trade war with Canada and with Canadian workers,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Trump’s decision to go to battle with America’s largest trading partner will hurt working people on both sides of the border and inflict real economic damage to both countries.”

Unifor urges Walmart to swiftly bargain first contract with truck drivers following ownership change

VANCOUVER – Unifor, which represents Walmart Canada truck drivers in British Columbia, is deeply concerned by today’s announcement that Canada Cartage is purchasing Walmart Fleet ULC, which now delays bargaining that was scheduled for tomorrow, Jan. 31.

“Warehousing and logistics workers have a right to a union, and we expect the company to bargain a first collective agreement with our members as soon as possible,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Transdev transit workers show solidarity by not wearing uniforms heading towards February strike deadline

VANCOUVER –Heading towards a Feb. 8 strike deadline, Unifor members at Transdev (formerly First Transit) in Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island will not wear their uniforms until the company comes to the table with a fair deal.

“Transit workers move our communities,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Our members demand respect from the company, and we will support them as they bargain a fair collective agreement.”

Unifor denounces Amazon's closure of Quebec warehouses

MONTREAL - Unifor denounces Amazon's decision to close seven warehouses in Quebec. The union also reaffirms support for the Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN), which has fought to improve conditions for Quebec’s unionized Amazon workers. 

Canada must act to protect workers and jobs during Trump era

WASHINGTON— Unifor warns that Canada must act to protect workers and Canadian jobs amid the continued threat of U.S. tariffs in the Trump era. 
 

“The looming tariff threat serves as a real wake up call on the need to mitigate the risk to Canadian workers,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 
 

President Trump indicated that he may move ahead with a 25 per cent across-the-board tariff on Canadian goods as soon as February 1, 2025. 
 

Transdev bus operators, mechanics, and cleaners in Cowichan Valley, B.C. file strike notice

VANCOUVER – Unifor Members employed at Transdev (formerly First Transit) in Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island have filed strike notice after talks broke down with the company.

“As I’ve said before, strike action is not something we take lightly, we want to resolve this dispute with the employer, but our members are prepared, if necessary,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“We will support our transit members with all our strength.”

Unifor welcomes GO train funding that supports jobs for members at Alstom

THUNDER BAY, ONT.—Unifor welcomes today’s Ontario commitment to spend nearly $500 million to refurbish 181 GO Transit bi-level rail coaches, which is expected to support hundreds of jobs for Unifor Local 1075 members at the Alstom facility in Thunder Bay.

“This investment extends the life of the manufacturing facility in Thunder Bay and introduces some near-term stability for hundreds of Unifor members and their families,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

CPKC workers vote overwhelmingly in favour of strike action

CALGARY – Unifor members of Local 101R at Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, with 99% of members voting in support.

“This strike mandate shows the strength and determination of CPKC workers to achieve a fair deal,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Members are united in their demands for job security and work ownership, fair wages, and improved working conditions.”

Unifor members ratify agreement with CN

MONTREAL – Members of Unifor Council 4000 and Local 100 have ratified a new collective agreement with CN, concluding a challenging round of bargaining.

“This agreement secures important gains that reflect the critical contributions of Unifor members to CN’s operations,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We are proud to deliver improvements that address pension security, work ownership and working conditions, which were top priorities for members.”

Transdev operators, mechanics, and cleaners in Cowichan Valley, B.C. vote for strike mandate

VANCOUVER – Members of Transdev (formerly First Transit) in Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island at Unifor Local 114 have voted unanimously in favour of strike action if an agreement cannot be reached with the company.

“Transit workers are an integral vein to our society, safely and efficiently getting the public to work, school and wherever they have to go,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Strike action is not something we take lightly, but our members are prepared, if necessary.”

Negotiations break off after Clear Medical Imaging walks away from bargaining

WINDSOR – This morning, Clear Medical Imaging showed up at the bargaining table with no response to the union’s latest offer to settle the ongoing strike. 

Despite the union’s repeated requests for a counteroffer, the employer chose to break off talks.  The union will now apply to the Labour Board for first contract interest arbitration.

Unifor calls-out Walmart anti-union tactics

TORONTO—Unifor is alleging Walmart punished workers with a wage freeze after they formed a union earlier this month. The union is calling on the retail giant to stop the anti-union tactics and treat all their workers with respect.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Situation critical: ongoing crisis in paramedic services sparks call for provincial task force

Shortages of ambulances and dangerous wait times are just two consequences of a province-wide staffing crisis in the province’s paramedic services. Despite repeated calls for action, the Ford government has never taken the steps needed to ensure adequate paramedic services for Ontario residents.

Now Ontario New Democrats and four unions that represent thousands of Ontario paramedics are demanding the Ford government act to address longstanding issues in the sector.

Unifor welcomes $758 million federal government investment in Canadian-made TTC subway cars

TORONTO—Unifor is pleased to hear today’s long-awaited federal government commitment to fund new Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway cars, with the union’s expectation that the investment will result in good jobs at the Alstom plant in Thunder Bay. 

“This critical investment is the final piece of the puzzle needed to build much-needed subway cars for Toronto transit riders that can sustain hundreds of manufacturing and spin-off jobs,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

Workers at INEOS demand alternatives to plant closure

SARNIA—INEOS Styrolution's decision to accelerate the closure of its Sarnia facility to the end of December 2025 has prompted Unifor to call on the federal and provincial governments to intervene.

"The expedited closure of the Sarnia plant is a devastating blow to our members and the local community," stated Unifor National President Lana Payne. "We urge the governments and the company to work together to secure a new investor."

CN workers vote overwhelmingly in favour of strike action

MONTREAL – Unifor members of Council 4000 and Local 100 at Canadian National Railway (CN Rail) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action, with 96% of Local 100 members and 97% of Council 4000 members supporting the mandate, preparing to take action should an agreement not be reached by January 1, 2025.

Bell Craft workers reach tentative agreement after months-long negotiations

OTTAWA– Unifor reached a tentative deal with Bell Canada in negotiations involving its Bell Craft unit spread across Quebec and Ontario.

“Members of this bargaining unit keep Bell in business by maintaining critical telecommunications systems,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “They show up to work united in their expertise and professionalism, and their bargaining team brought those same values to the table in this round of talks.”

Unifor CN members to hold strike votes

MONTREAL – Unifor Council 4000 and Local 100 members working at Canadian National Railway (CN Rail) will hold strike votes in workplaces across Canada starting on November 18.