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Unifor condemns journalism cuts at Bell Media

Unifor is condemning a round of cuts being made to CTV newsrooms across much of Bell Media this week, saying the layoffs will cost the network many valued media workers just when their communities need them most.

BC basic income report calls for sweeping labour law reform

VANCOUVER—Significant Labour Relations Code and Employment Standard changes are needed to reduce income inequality, according to the final report issued by the British Columbia Basic Income Panel.

“If you’re working, forming a union is one of the best anti-poverty strategies there is,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “The protections offered by a union go well beyond bargaining leverage for wages and benefits. Being a part of a union means your voice matters at work.”

Aerospace workers call for industry-wide COVID-19 recovery plan

January 25, 2021

TORONTO—Today, Unifor’s Aerospace Industry Council released a new policy paper urging the federal government to immediately implement a substantial recovery plan for the sector in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic’s devastating economic effects.

Airlines and unions urge cooperation as federal government considers potential new measure to reduce air travel

Flights and passenger traffic have already dropped by 90% from pre-pandemic levels

Government should consider science and data and consult with industry and unions before further action to avoid unintended consequences

January 22, 2021/OTTAWA – Canada’s largest airline industry association and the unions representing more than 325,000 Canadian workers today urged the federal government to consult with them before it enacts new measures to reduce travel.

Crosbie’s full time jobs pitch misses the mark

January 20, 2021

St. John’s – The Newfoundland and Labrador PC Party says the province needs more full time jobs, but their payroll tax cut plan will do more harm than good says Unifor.

Unifor members at CAMI ratify agreement with General Motors

Members of Unifor Local 88 who work at the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll, Ontario have voted to ratify a new agreement with General Motors that brings $1 billion in investments to begin large scale production of electric commercial delivery vans.

Electric commercial van production coming to CAMI Assembly if GM deal ratified

January 15, 2021 INGERSOLL—Unifor Local 88’s bargaining committee, representing 1,900 workers at the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll, Ontario has reached a tentative agreement with General Motors today. “This tentative deal delivers significant investment, new products, new jobs, and job security, achieving our union’s key bargaining priorities during these challenging times,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. General Motors has agreed to invest $1 billion dollars to begin large-scale commercial production of EV600, an all electric van, starting next year.

Unifor mourns Sheila Yakovishin, PSW in Windsor LTC home, lost to COVID-19

WINDSOR – Unifor, its Local 2458, and the wider Windsor community began the New Year in mourning of health care worker and fellow union member Sheila Yakovishin, 60.

“On behalf of our union, I express the deepest condolences to Sheila’s family and all those who knew and loved her. Unifor mourns with you, as we decry her preventable death,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.

Airline industry needs additional financial support given new COVID-19 tests requirement

TORONTO – Unifor renews demands on the federal government to provide financial support for the airline industry as the industry prepares for all international travelers to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test on arrival.

"Yesterday's announcement is important to protect the public safety of all Canadians, but at the same time, the federal government's continued refusal to provide adequate financial support for the 300,000 airline workers puts the very future of Canada's airline industry in jeopardy," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.

Unifor welcomes offshore funding for workers

ST. JOHN’S—Unifor says the joint federal and provincial efforts to secure funding for Canada’s East Coast offshore oil industry should help protect good jobs.

The governments announced this morning that Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. will receive $38M in funding from the Oil and Gas Industry Recovery Assistance Fund.

Unifor calls on provincial government to assume control of Windsor-area long-term care home

WINDSOR— Staffing levels at The Village of St. Clair are below crisis levels and action is demanded from the provincial government, says Unifor.

“This is a matter of life or death,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “The current owners of The Village of St. Clair are no longer capable of providing the necessary care. The Government of Ontario must step in.”

Unifor has written to Premier Ford to ask that his government to take over control of the long-term care home’s operation.

Unifor and Aleafia Health partner on groundbreaking medical cannabis coverage

December 18, 2020

TORONTO – Unifor, Canada's largest private-sector union and Aleafia Health Inc. (TSX: AH, OTC: ALEAF),  have entered a long term partnership that through collective bargaining will seek to provide access for its members to medical cannabis coverage as part of their benefit and insurance coverage.

Sobeys Kincardine workers achieve wage and benefit gains in new contract

KINCARDINE– Sobeys grocery store workers in Kincardine, Ontario have voted to ratify a new collective agreement that achieves gains, including wage increases, schedule improvements, and benefit gains.

"Unifor continues to make strides in raising working conditions in retail work across the country, which is more important than ever during the COVID-19 era,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. “There is still much work to be done to address low wages and precarious work in this sector and this remains a priority for our union.”

Ontario long-term care staffing timeline lacks urgency

TORONTO – Unifor welcomes the Ontario government's long-term care staffing plan to establish an average of four hours of direct care for long-term care residents but remains concerned on its implementation timeline.

Lack of PPE for health workers contributes to outbreak at Windsor long-term care home

December 15, 2020

WINDSOR – A lack of access to PPEs at The Village at St. Clair, a long-term care facility, has contributed to an outbreak of COVID-19 cases.

“The Ontario Government made it clear that all health care workers will have access to proper PPE including N-95,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “This outbreak is evidence of a blatant disregard of the directive and the safety of residents and workers.”

There are currently 48 confirmed cases among the 256 residents at the facility and 25 among its staff.