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Trench Ltd. electrical manufacturing workers vote 99% to strike

Workers at electrical manufacturer Trench Ltd. in Scarborough, Ont. have made a clear decision to strike if a deal isn’t made by midnight next Saturday.

“The members have expressed their strong support for the bargaining committee by giving them a 99% strike mandate,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“Strike action is something our union doesn’t take lightly, but we will fight for the needs of our members.”

Major wage gains for Unifor members at the Hotel Grand Pacific

VICTORIA—Wages will increase at least 16.3% over the next three years thanks to a new collective agreement ratified this evening by members of Unifor Local 114 at the Hotel Grand Pacific.

“Unifor members are setting a high standard in the hospitality sector,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We look forward to building on what Local 114 has achieved at the Hotel Grand Pacific.”

9,000-member NS health care unit reaches tentative agreement

The Council of Health Care Unions reached a tentative agreement with the IWK and the Nova Scotia Health Authority following 15 days of bargaining over the span of many months.

The deal was reached at 4:30 a.m. Friday, August 30 following a marathon round of bargaining. 

Unifor members march in Toronto Labour Day Parade

Hundreds of Unifor members, activists, allies, friends and family turned out for the 2024 Toronto Labour Day Parade to celebrate Unifor's incredible victories for working class people and show that when we fight, we win!

Unifor files application to represent workers at Walmart warehouse

TORONTO—Workers at Walmart in Mississauga are one step closer to forming a strong union in their workplace after Unifor filed an application today to the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB).

"Workers at Walmart deserve greater job security, health and safety protections, and fair wages,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Today is an important step towards these goals.”

Labour Day celebrations highlight organizing and ongoing fight for workers’ rights

Unifor participated in Labour Day parades and events across Canada today, sending the strong message that this is the time to fight for workers, whether it’s at bargaining tables, on picket lines or in the streets.

In her uplifting speech in Toronto, Unifor National President Lana Payne welcomed the thousands of new members who joined the union since last Labour Day.

Lana Payne 2024 Labour Day Message

“This Labour Day comes at a time when workers are organizing and fighting for justice everywhere, at bargaining tables, on picket lines, and in the streets.” Watch Unifor National President Lana Payne’s message for Labour Day 2024. 

Solidarity action at Best Theratronics bolsters striking members

Unifor members and community supporters united this week at a solidarity action to bolster Local 1541 members on strike at Best Theratronics since May 1, 2024. 

“It’s been 118 days too long. We’re here to send a message to this employer that we’re here to fight,” Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi told striking workers and supporters at the action. 

Unifor brings Wescast workers voices to meeting with Ontario Labour Minister David Piccini over $10 million unpaid severance dispute

Today, Unifor leadership met with Ontario Minister of Labour David Piccini and senior ministerial staff to update the government on the ongoing dispute at Wescast Industries in Wingham, Ontario. The meeting was held as part of Unifor’s continuing efforts to resolve the dispute between the union and the company’s owners, Bohong Industries Group in China over approximately $10 million in unpaid severance and termination pay owed to nearly 200 workers. 

Residence Inn strike ends with new contract ratification

VANCOUVER—Members of Unifor Local 433 have won their fight for fair wage increases and safer working conditions, ending a three-week long strike at Vancouver’s Residence Inn.

“Fighting back works,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Unifor members at the Residence Inn have demonstrated again that union solidarity can help win significant contract gains.”

Unifor welcomes necessary federal tariff on Chinese EV

TORONTO—Unifor welcomes the federal government decision to impose an additional 100% tariff on all new energy vehicles imported from China as well as a new 25% tariff on imports of steel and aluminum.

MABE Canada retirees gather to mark the 10th anniversary of their former employer’s closure

MONTREAL–Unifor will be holding a gathering to mark the 10th anniversary of the closure of MABE, after it filed for bankruptcy and workers lost their group insurance and life insurance and 22% of their pension.

“For the past 10 years, Unifor has stood by the retirees and former employees of MABE in their fight for respect and justice,” said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier. “The employer has tried to wear them down, but they are a resilient group and they can count on Unifor’s unwavering support.” 

Unifor members to rally in support of striking workers at Residence Inn

VANCOUVER—Unifor members from across Metro Vancouver will show support for the Local 433 members on strike at the Residence Inn with a lunch-hour rally.

“Hospitality workers are the backbone of the tourism industry in Vancouver,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “They deserve safe working conditions and wages that keep pace with the region’s sky-high cost of living.”

What: Rally for Residence Inn workers 

Who: Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle and Unifor members

Women’s conference builds connections and explores how union sisters can fight – and win – for equity

Nearly 400 women gathered at the Unifor Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, ON, for a three-day conference packed with informative, emotional, and inspiring speakers and sessions.

The centre itself is a hub for empowering women and Unifor Women’s Director Tracey Ramsey shared how her experiences attending a Women’s Conferences led to her running for office – and winning as a federal MP –– and to her current role in the union where she strives to help other sisters rise to their potential.

About Dwayne Wabegijig

“The piece that I designed for the Orange Shirt is depicting the potential of every child. They hold all of their possibilities in their hands, nurtured by the sun and guided by the Creator represented by the Eagle.”

Unifor Contributes $25,000 to ASAHTOWIKAMIK Food Hub

Unifor representatives Dan Bailey and Claudine Stom attended the August 16 opening of the ASAHTOWIKAMIK Food Hub in Regina, a groundbreaking facility dedicated to addressing food insecurity. Unifor’s $25,000 donation is part of the union’s ongoing commitment to social justice and community support, helping to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to nutritious food in a dignified manner.

Unifor locals ratify agreements at Marine Atlantic

Unifor members at Marine Atlantic have ratified two new three-year agreements.

“For years, Marine Atlantic dragged out the negotiating process, frustrating our members and undermining their right to fair and free collective bargaining. This time we engaged a new bargaining strategy with the employer,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

Key wage gains in new CTV Ottawa contract

Unifor members at CTV Ottawa have ratified a new three-year deal with their employer this week.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for fighting for the needs of our members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“We all know the state the media sector is in and every contract our union bargains to strengthen wages and create more job security for journalists and media workers helps make their lives more stable.”

Unifor Statement – Softwood Lumber Duties

Unifor, representing 320,000 workers including 24,000 workers in the forestry sector, is disappointed and frustrated with the United States’ continued attack on Canada’s softwood lumber industry. Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced an increase in countervailing and anti-dumping duties on Canadian lumber exports as parts of its fifth administrative review. These new duties exceed the preliminary rate announced in February 2024.  The U.S.