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.”
Unifor members alongside health care workers and community activists attended the Ontario Health Coalitions Day of Action to advocate against the alarming trend of hospital service closures across the province.
TORONTO –Urgent concerns regarding the staffing crisis in Ontario long-term care homes and emergency rooms were confirmed in today’s Ontario Auditor General's report
More than 100 telecommunications members from Expertech gathered in Kingston, Ontario, on Tuesday, December 5, to demand fair wages, improved benefits, and an end to the persistent issue of contracting out at Bell Canada.
Despite the cold weather, the workers were determined to express their discontent with the lack of commitment and respect from Bell Canada. Participants marched from Confederation Park to Kingston Market Square Hotel, where collective bargaining with Bell is taking place.
This year marks a significant milestone for Unifor's Social Justice Fund (SJF) as it celebrated its 10th anniversary.
"The Unifor SJF's decade-long journey is a testament to the power of collective action and empathy,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Our support is not just about aid, it's about solidarity with communities in Canada and around the world facing crisis and hardship, reinforcing the fabric of our local and global communities with compassion and equity.”
On Monday, December 4, 2023, representatives of the Society of Professional Engineers and Associates (SPEA)convened with Unifor representatives to move forward with the affiliated approved by members last month. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for AtkinsRéalis employees as they begin their formal affiliation with Unifor, and as Unifor welcomes 1000 new members in the nuclear energy sector.
TORONTO – Unifor members of First Student Bus – which provides school bus services for English and French language schools in Cornwall and Embrun, Ont. – have resoundingly ratified their new contract by 95%.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for staying strong and fighting for a good and fair deal for our members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
KINGSTON— Telecommunications workers from Expertech will converge in Kingston, Ontario, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, rallying against Bell's sustained efforts in job erosion through practices such as offshoring and contracting out. The unified stand calls for full-time jobs, equitable wages and benefits that keep up with the pace of inflation.
The affordability crisis and privatization in the health care system were top of mind at this year’s Ontario Regional Council, held in Ottawa on Dec. 1 to 2.
Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi said access to high-quality public health care is for everyone, not just the rich—which is why the union is fighting back against health care cuts and privatization.
WINNIPEG—Unifor Local 144 members have voted overwhelmingly, with 98% in favour, to take strike action if a fair contract cannot be reached this month.
As the union representing thousands of workers in Canada’s aerospace industry, Unifor is hopeful the contract to replace Canada’s patrol aircraft will result in good paying aerospace jobs for Canadians, but is also disappointed with the decision of the federal government to proceed without a public request for tenders.
“Canada’s aerospace industry and its highly-skilled workforce have much to offer, and we will continue to advocate for a comprehensive industrial strategy that builds up this important sector in Quebec and Canada,” said National President Lana Payne.
From November 24 to 26, Quebec City hosted Unifor's 19th Quebec Council, a major event celebrating the organization's 10th anniversary. A celebration in itself, the council was an opportunity to reflect on a decade of struggles and achievements.
MONTREAL - VIA Rail Canada’s new baggage policy and reservation system introduces sweeping changes that are catching passengers and workers off-guard as rail travel gears up for the holiday season.
TORONTO – Unifor says yesterday’s announcement by the federal government to forge a path forward with Google by implementing the Online News Act and keeping local and national news content accessible for Canadians is encouraging, and the union eagerly awaits to see the finalized regulations.
Unifor marks December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. On this day, we solemnly remember the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre when 14 women were killed on their Montreal campus, and all lives tragically lost to gender-based violence, and we recommit to the ongoing battle against this pervasive and deeply unjust violence.
More than seventy academics have united in support of a federal ban on replacement workers (Bill C-58). The bill is currently undergoing its Second Reading in the House of Commons, presenting a historic opportunity to reshape the landscape of workers' rights in federally regulated workplaces.
VANCOUVER – Unifor members working at Pacific Western Transportation (PWTransit) in Comox Valley and Campbell River, B.C. have rejected the latest contract offer by 86% after the company did not close the gap to address issues of wage disparity, scheduling, and overtime language.
Members spoke out clearly at ratification meetings held Nov. 26 and voted to reject this tentative agreement.
Members of Local 4005 at the Discovery Centre in Halifax ratified a new collective agreement with strengthened language, a new evening shift premium, and wage increases.
“The unity among Discovery Centre workers in standing up for each other and fighting for respect from their employer is inspiring,” said Jennifer Murray, Unifor Atlantic Regional Director. “I send my congratulations to the bargaining committee for the hard work they’ve done during this challenging round of negotiations.”
Unifor will welcome more than 40 new members from the security department at the Pickering Casino Resort after they voted 97% in favour of joining. Local 1090 already represents workers on the casino gaming floor.
After a tragic workplace fatality among security personnel in October 2023, Local 1090’s gaming unit chairperson helped provide support and assistance.
“After an unspeakable tragedy, security workers at Pickering Casino Resort turned anger into hope and formed a union to better protect themselves at work,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President.
Skilled Trades members from across the country poised the trades for the future as they voted to elect the Skilled Trades Executive and Committee members who will serve for the next three years.
Originally published in the Windsor Star November 25, 2023
Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.
The famous quote from American author and funny-man Mark Twain helps summarize the firestorm surrounding Windsor’s NextStar battery plant.
What started as an innocuous social media post from, of all groups, the Windsor Police Service has become a fire-and-brimstone level debate in this country.
CROFTON—The fourth consecutive curtailment at the Paper Excellence paper mill in Crofton will keep more than 100 workers laid off and the community left wondering why they have nothing to show for $19 million in public funding from two levels of government.
The new curtailment will reportedly extend to the end of February 2024.
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