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Show your Unifor colours

Unifor calls on all members and supporters across the country to wear their Unifor red this Saturday, on Flag Day, to stand up for Canadian jobs and the industries that keep our communities strong. 

Together, we’re going to show that when Canadian workers are under threat, we don’t sit back—we fight back. 

It’s time to send a message: Unifor members are united to defend jobs, industries, and our future.

Quebec must use the tariff crisis to rethink its forest industry strategy

In the face of President Trump’s tariff threats and rising countervailing duties on lumber, Jean-François Samray, CEO of the QFIC (Quebec Forestry Industry Council), argues that Quebec is ripe for a national construction strategy. We agree with him but believe we should go even further. 

Trump steel and aluminum tariff latest attack in economic war

TORONTO— President Trump’s new order to impose tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum is just the latest attack in his full-on economic war against Canada.

“Make no mistake Trump is coming for Canada and the jobs of Canadian workers,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “It’s clear his plan is to use economic warfare to weaken our economy. It’s time to push back hard. Canada must respond in full force to the tariffs on steel and aluminum to prevent the U.S. from coming after more jobs and industries.”

Unifor condemns Bell’s workforce reduction plan amid national crisis

MONTREAL- Unifor condemns Bell’s shortsighted workforce reduction plans that will potentially cost another 1,200 workers their jobs.

“Workforce reduction plans are a damaging stunt to temporarily reduce costs, making profits appear higher on the backs of workers. Bell cannot keep cutting jobs every year and expect the ship to turn itself around,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Canada is potentially facing a trade war with the U.S., and Bell has chosen to once again leave Canadian workers unemployed in part to satisfy its move into the American market.”

Transdev workers in Cowichan Valley, B.C. go on strike after negotiations break down with company

VANCOUVER –Transit workers at Transdev in Cowichan Valley, B.C., went on strike early this morning, after last-minute talks broke down Friday between Unifor and the employer, following weeks of stalled negotiations.

“We support our members as they seek a fair deal and hope Transdev gets back to the table quickly,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

“As I’ve said before, strike action is not something we take lightly, but we will continue until our members are shown respect by the company.”

Unifor welcomes new members at third Walmart unit in six months

CALGARY—Nearly 280 Walmart fleet drivers in Calgary and Nisku have joined Unifor, marking the third successful organizing drive at Walmart in the last six months.

“Drivers play a critical role in Walmart’s supply chain. These workers are standing together to demand the respect, fair wages, and job security they deserve,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “This is yet another sign that Walmart workers across Canada are ready to fight for better working conditions—and Unifor will be there every step of the way.”

Unifor pushes to protect jobs as new tariff deadline is set

Unifor is calling on Canadians to stay united and remain on guard following the delay of tariffs on Canadian goods exported to the U.S. by 30-days. 

“The tariffs may be paused but the union’s work to protect our members’ jobs has not,” said National President Lana Payne. “The ongoing tariff threat alone is designed to redirect investment, which will hurt jobs in Canada whether tariffs come into effect or not.” 

City of Toronto Retail Holiday Shopping Survey

Unifor members,

Retail workers in Toronto are facing yet another attack on their right to guaranteed time off.

Big business is pushing to expand holiday shopping exemptions, which would force more retail workers to work on statutory holidays. This is unacceptable.

Unifor has always stood firm in protecting retail workers’ statutory holidays, and we need to take action once again. Toronto City Council is consulting with the public about holiday shopping exemptions and will soon be deciding on whether to expand them, and we must make our voices heard.

Plains Midstream workers ratify new agreement

Unifor Local 200 members at Plains Midstream in Windsor have ratified a new three-year collective agreement. 

The agreement includes annual wage increases of 3% and a $1,750 signing bonus, with no concessions. 
“This agreement reflects the hard work and dedication of the bargaining committee,” said Local 200 President John D’Agnolo. “It builds on our progress and protects the interests of the workers at Plains Midstream.”

Local 672 secures new contract

Unifor Local 672 members at SGS Petroleum Management have secured a new three-year collective agreement with strong wage gains.  

“This deal represents a major step forward for our members,” said Local 672 President John McEwan. “The bargaining committee worked tirelessly to secure an agreement that addresses the needs of Local 672 members while strengthening the contract’s protections.” 

Unifor urges Canada’s grocers to prioritize Made in Canada goods

TORONTO, Ont.-Unifor is urging Canada’s largest grocery stores, owned by Empire, Loblaw and Metro, to prioritize the purchasing and promotion of made in Canada products in response to the Trump administration’s reckless trade war against Canadian workers. 

In a letter to the CEOs of Empire, Loblaw and Metro, Unifor National President Lana Payne encouraged the grocers to make it easier for shoppers to identify made in Canada products on their shelves to support domestic industries and protect jobs.

Unifor Auto Council and Unifor Independent Parts Supplier Council statement on U.S. Tariffs

For more than 60 years, the Canadian and American auto industries have depended on each other. Together, we build best-in-class cars and trucks that remain the envy of the world. Unionized autoworkers fought for and won gold standard collective agreements that created good jobs, raised living standards and built strong, vibrant communities.  Two-way trade in automotive goods is about $160 billion per year and split virtually down the middle in near perfect balance. There is no better, fairer, and more productive trade relationship. 

Lana Payne statement on U.S. tariff pause

Trump’s tariff announcement was a turning point for our country. The President declared economic war on Canadian workers and our country. There is no turning back. No one should let their guard down at this 30-day pause on the tariffs. 

The threat of tariffs and therefore the continued threat of economic harm to the workers of Canada must be front and centre. We know the mere threat of tariffs is damaging to our economy.

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 mourns the passing of Scott Bateman

On behalf of the Unifor National Executive Board and Unifor members across the country, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Scott Bateman, who served as the union’s Director of Road Transportation. 

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.

Unifor fights for NL workers on Premier Furey’s trade Roundtable

ST. JOHN’S—Unifor participated in Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey’s trade roundtable’s most recent meeting today, calling for swift action to protect workers, particularly in the province’s trade-exposed sectors like oil and gas, forestry and the fishery.

Black History Month Statement 2025

This February, Unifor proudly celebrates Black History Month by honoring the remarkable achievements and contributions of our members who strengthen our union, communities, and country every single day. We recognize the important work of Unifor members, BIWOC committee activists, and Racial Justice Advocates who champion equity and inclusion year round.

Unifor ready to defend against Trump tariff threat

Unifor leadership engaged with hundreds of representatives from Unifor locals from across the country on Jan. 28 to discuss the tariff threat and our union’s approach to protect jobs and safeguard our economy.

“This union has faced many big challenges in its past, including both a global financial crisis and a global pandemic that threw our world upside down,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne during the webinar.

Unifor calls on Ontario election candidates to protect workers and public services

Premier Doug Ford has called an early election. Ontarians are heading to the polls on Thursday, February 27. 

“This election is an opportunity to tell candidates what workers expect from their next government, said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. “In this election, Unifor calls on all parties to protect workers, secure the economy, and save public services.”  

View Samia’s video message: 

Inaugural dairy processing bargaining strategy meeting unites members amidst tariff threats

From January 24 to 26, 2025, local union leaders from Unifor’s dairy processing workplaces along with staff gathered at the national headquarters in Toronto for the inaugural Dairy Processing Strategy Meeting. The meeting united members from across the country to build a shared vision for collective bargaining for Canada’s critical link in the agricultural supply chain of essential food products like milk, cheese, and eggs.