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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.”

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.

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.

“Exercising your basic rights is not a punishable offence in a democracy,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The spike in unionization at Walmart facilities in Canada is evidence that workers at Walmart are ready to improve their job security, wages, and working conditions.”

VANCOUVER—Two of the country’s largest pulp and paper unions, Unifor and the Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC), have selected Kruger, Inc. in Kamloops, B.C. as the target to establish pattern bargaining across the forestry sector in Western Canada.

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.

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. 

OTTAWA– Bell Craft and Services members voted to ratify a new collective agreement that secures more full-time work and wage increases. 

CALGARY– Negotiations between Unifor and CPKC have reached an impasse after the company failed to engage meaningfully to make progress on the union’s proposals on critical non-economic issues.

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."

HALIFAX—Unifor commits to continue the fight to strengthen workers’ rights in Nova Scotia following the re-election of the Progressive Conservative government with a second majority win. 

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.

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.”

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.

KANATA, ONT.— Unifor has learned that the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has finally issued an order to Best Theratronics, confirming the company is not in compliance with its licence condition requiring a financial guarantee for decommissioning.

WINDSOR— Bargaining between Unifor Local 2458 and Clear Medical Imaging ended suddenly today as the employer walked away from the table.

"Today’s abrupt walkout by Clear Medical is deeply disappointing to our members who have made it clear that they will not return to work until they receive a fair deal,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Our members came ready to negotiate and won’t back down until they get the first collective agreement they deserve.”

Toronto—Unifor members at Food Basics have ratified a new five-year contract containing significant wage improvements, pension and benefit enhancements, and better job protections against automation.

WINNIPEG—Unifor is celebrating the Manitoba government’s adoption of long-awaited anti-scab and unionization legislation, a major milestone that enhances workers’ rights in every sector of the economy.

“This is a pivotal moment for workers in Manitoba,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “By banning scab labour, the NDP government is strengthening the integrity of the collective bargaining process and helping ensure fairer outcomes for workers.”

VANCOUVER—Unifor continues its momentum organizing at Walmart after the Canada Industrial Relations Board granted interim certification for approximately 95 drivers at Walmart in Surrey, B.C.

MONCTON–Unifor is celebrating Premier Holt’s reversal of the policies that limited surgical abortion to hospital settings in New Brunswick within days of forming government.

“Expanding access to women’s reproductive care, to health care, is what we and many others advocated for, and what New Brunswickers voted for,” said Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray. “This is a bright light in a week where we have been reminded that our human rights, our right to self-determination, and our access to life-saving health care should never be taken for granted.”

TORONTO – The union representing Bell workers questions the decision by Bell Canada Enterprises Inc. (BCE), to acquire American company Ziply Fiber following a year of devastating cuts in Canada. 

TORONTO—Unifor’s Energy Sector Council has launched the “Keep it in the Pipe” campaign, calling for comprehensive methane reduction regulations in Canada’s oil and gas sector.

“Unchecked methane leaks pose serious risks to workers, our communities, and ultimately the climate,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “But it doesn’t have to be this way. Today energy workers are proposing solutions that bring government, industry, and labour to the table.”

WINDSOR— Unifor Local 2458 and Clear Medical Imaging are set to resume negotiations on Friday, November 8, 2024, after Unifor’s request for a conciliator to assist in reaching a fair agreement.

KANATA, ONT.— Best Theratronics continues to refuse to negotiate as the ongoing strike by workers at its Kanata, ON facility hits the six-month mark on Nov. 1, 2024. Despite ongoing attempts by Unifor to resolve the dispute, including a proposal to resolve the dispute with the help of an independent arbitrator, the company refuses to negotiate or engage.

BELLEVILLE—Members of Unifor Local 1090 have ratified a new four-year collective agreement that helps harmonize wage rates at Shorelines casinos in the region.

“Local 1090 members set a goal and bargained skillfully to achieve it,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “They can be proud of their accomplishments in this round.”

The contract includes wages that will match Shorelines Peterborough rates by 2026, which includes increases of up to 32%. Other improvements include lower health benefit premiums and a higher full-to-part-time ratio. 

HALIFAX—Leaders from Unifor, NSGEU and CUPE say trust with government has been bruised as collective bargaining is called off for the last of four health care bargaining units in Nova Scotia.

TORONTO—Unifor is pleased to see a path forward to distribute Google’s $100 million annual contribution to Canada’s news businesses, after the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced Monday it was granting Google a five-year exemption from the Online News Act (ONA).

Photo by Dan Loran on Unsplash

CALGARY – Unifor has filed for conciliation in its negotiations with CPKC after discussions reached an impasse over key issues impacting thousands of workers.

VANCOUVER—Unifor congratulates Premier David Eby and the B.C. NDP caucus on their re-election, praising their commitment to advancing workers’ rights, strengthening public services, and building a more equitable economy.

“This is a win for working people across British Columbia,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “From raising the minimum wage to investing in public services, the NDP has prioritized workers and our families and we look forward to continued advancement in Premier Eby’s second term.”

MONTREAL – Unifor Council 4000 and Local 100 representing more than 2500 workers at VIA Rail, have opened negotiations focusing on key issues affecting the workplace.