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Unifor and Ford Motor Company to begin contract negotiations

TORONTO- Unifor will commence 2026 Detroit Three auto negotiations on June 22, starting with Ford Motor Company. Unifor represents approximately 5,000 workers at various Ford of Canada facilities.

"Currently, the Canadian auto sector, and in turn our members and their families, face unprecedented challenges. Unifor firmly believes it is in the best interest of our members across the Detroit Three to work to establish the pattern agreement for 2026 auto bargaining with Ford Motor Company” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

Unifor members at Walmart see huge gains in historic first contract

MISSISSAUGA—Wage gains and structural fairness are key features of a new collective agreement voted on last night by Unifor Local 252 members. Ratified by 93%, it is the first union contract negotiated with Walmart in North America.

“Unifor members at Walmart are helping to lead the warehousing sector,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “These members were successful at radically re-shaping fairness in the workplace.”

Tentative agreement reached at Grand River Transit

WATERLOO — Unifor Local 4304 and the Region of Waterloo have reached a tentative agreement covering approximately 850 Grand River Transit workers, averting a strike that would have begun at 12:01 a.m. on May 1, 2026.

Conciliation breaks off between Unifor and Marine Atlantic

Mediated negotiations between Unifor and Marine Atlantic broke off on the second day after the employer failed to engage with the union’s proposals.

“It’s unacceptable that Marine Atlantic is refusing to engage in meaningful negotiations for a fair agreement that lets workers continue to serve the public,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Ignoring the bargaining committee’s proposals shows a lack of respect and raises serious doubts about reaching a deal unless the company changes course.”

More focus on effects of U.S. tariffs and global volatility on Canadian jobs needed in Spring Fiscal Update

OTTAWA – The federal government’s spring fiscal update includes a number of important advances including in the area of worker training but presents an overly-optimistic view of Canada’s economic health, as millions of workers face ongoing uncertainty amid U.S. trade tensions, public sector cost-cutting, affordability challenges and global political instability, says Unifor.   

Unifor calls on governments to act after Interfor announces wind down of Nairn Centre sawmill

NAIRN CENTRE, ON—Unifor is calling for urgent, coordinated action from all levels of government following Interfor's announcement that it is indefinitely curtailing operations at its Nairn Centre sawmill.

"Every week brings another closure, another community in crisis," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "Workers in Nairn Centre are paying the price for a trade war they didn't start. Canada needs a real industrial strategy for forestry before we lose any more jobs."

Unifor stands with members following Agropur dairy cooperative closure

SUSSEX, N.B.— Unifor is expressing solidarity with members impacted by Agropur Dairy Cooperative’s announcement that it will close its dairy cooperative in Sussex, N.B., affecting around 50 Unifor Local 506 members. Operations are expected to continue through to 2028.

Talks break off between Unifor and Fairmont Empress Hotel

VICTORIA— Contract negotiations between Unifor Local 4276 and the Fairmont Empress Hotel have broken off, with no further bargaining dates scheduled.

"Fairmont Empress workers set the standard in BC's hotel sector, and they deserve a contract that reflects that," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "Our members are facing real pressure from the cost of living, and they've delivered a record strike vote. The company needs to respond with a fair offer."

Unifor members at the Fairmont Empress vote to strike if necessary

VICTORIA—The employer’s insufficient offers on wages, mental health benefits, and protections for gratuity earners has forced Unifor Local 4276 members at the Fairmont Empress Hotel to vote to strike if a resolution cannot be negotiated this month.

“The Fairmont Empress is synonymous with great service provided by Unifor members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Local 4276 members have earned a fair contract and are prepared to stand up for what they deserve.”

Potential strike action looms closer at Nova Scotia retirement homes

HALIFAX- Unifor members at Parkland Truro, Parkland Cape Breton, and Martha’s Place Antigonish retirement homes in Nova Scotia will be in a legal strike position as of April 16, after a no board report was issued by the Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration on Tuesday. 

“Workers have spoken clearly, they need a deal that reflects the value of their work and keeps pace with standards in long-term care,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Unifor stands firmly behind these members as they fight for the respect and compensation they deserve.”

Unifor calls for ‘Sell Here, Build Here,’ mandates on anniversary of Trump auto tariffs

TORONTO—As Canadian workers mark one year of economic disruption and job losses triggered by U.S. tariffs targeting Canada’s auto industry and other key sectors, Unifor is escalating the union’s clear demand to corporate and government decision-makers: “Sell Here. Build Here.”

“The last twelve months saw workers in trade exposed industries go through hell. We’ve witnessed job loss and workers left in limbo as Trump continues to hammer our economy,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 

Unifor embarks on urgent Protect Canadian Jobs lobby week in Ottawa

OTTAWA – Unifor leaders from across the country are in Ottawa this week, meeting with more than 75 MPs from all sitting parties to deliver the message to Protect Canadian Jobs

“In the face of U.S. tariffs, everything is on the line for workers in Canada, and we need the federal government and all political parties to match the urgency of this moment,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We’re ready to deliver a message to protect Canadian jobs, our country’s industrial economy, and defend trade union rights.”

Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council Responds to Canada’s 2026 – 2030 Sustainable Jobs Action Plan

OTTAWA, ON, MARCH 13, 2026 - The Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council acknowledges that many of the government’s priorities and those identified by key partners, are reflected in Canada’s 2026 – 2030 Sustainable Jobs Action Plan tabled on February 23, 2026. The Council remains committed to consulting with Canadians and providing advice on the creation and protection of sustainable jobs, work we believe is needed now more than ever. 

New Winnipeg facility strengthens Canadian bus manufacturing and creates union jobs

WINNIPEG — Unifor welcomes the official opening of a new bus manufacturing facility in Winnipeg by NFI Group and its subsidiary New Flyer, marking an important step forward for Canadian manufacturing and the creation of good union jobs.

“This investment means more union jobs in Winnipeg and more Canadian-made buses on our roads,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “When we build here at home, we strengthen our communities, support families with good wages and benefits, and ensure Canada can build and maintain the transit vehicles commuters rely on.”

Brampton Council locks in auto assembly zoning for Stellantis plant

BRAMPTON, Ont.—Today, Unifor welcomed the news that the Mayor of Brampton and the City Council moved and unanimously adopted a motion to protect the future of the Stellantis Brampton assembly plant that will explicitly designate the site for auto assembly production.