All News

Program for 6,000 new PSWs, “tip of what’s needed, gravity of shortage requires Ontario double that number to tackle long-term care staffing crisis,” say health care unions

Long-term care staffing in Ontario remain far below pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. The gravity of the staffing shortage requires a substantive and comprehensive recruitment, training and retention workforce strategy, say health care unions representing approximately 70,000 Personal Support Workers (PSWs).

Unifor sets federal budget priorities to Build Back Better

Unifor is calling on the federal government to prioritize improvements to income security, pandemic supports, industrial strategy, critical infrastructure, and public services in the union’s federal budget recommendations, with the goal to #BuildBackBetter from COVID-19.

Unifor Sunwing pilots reach tentative agreement

TORONTO—Pilots represented by Unifor Local 7378 have ratified a new four -year agreement with Sunwing Airlines.

“In the most unprecedented of times while the entire aviation industry in Canada has been shuttered, our pilots came together and this agreement provides a road forward and a plan for all of our members who are suffering financially,” said Barret Armann, President of Unifor Local 7378.

CTV cuts hitting every part of Canada

As details continue to emerge about the cuts announced by CTV Bell Media last week, it is becoming increasingly clear that we are witnessing a severe reduction in the news media that Canadians rely on every day, by a company still making good profits.

Bus drivers remain at risk as schools reopen

February 8, 2021

TORONTO – Unifor is calling for enhanced safety precautions for school bus drivers as schools reopen across Ontario in the midst of a second wave of the pandemic that is still not under control and as more infectious new variants take hold.

“Keeping school bus drivers safe means keeping students safe. They are all crammed into the same confined space for the ride to school,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias.

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.