All News

Dominion workers on strike in Newfoundland

August 22, 2020

ST. JOHN’S– Unifor Local 597 members at Dominion grocery stores across Newfoundland will begin strike action at 10:01 p.m. Saturday August 22, 2020. 

"Our Dominion members do not take this decision lightly. They would much rather be serving their communities but as frontline workers they felt they could not accept the contract put forth by the company," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias.

Dominion workers vote on tentative agreement

Unifor Local 597, representing Dominion workers at Newfoundland grocery locations, will announce the result of the ratification vote on the tentative agreement offered by Loblaw Companies Limited at 10:00 p.m. NDT on Saturday August 22, 2020.

Hospitality and gaming workers applaud EI changes

The new Employment Insurance measures introduced yesterday by the federal government will no doubt have an incredibly positive impact on workers in the hospitality and gaming sectors, says Unifor.

Unifor welcomes Employment Insurance modernization

August 20, 2020

TORONTO—Sweeping changes to Employment Insurance (EI) announced today will reduce barriers to qualify and increase the minimum benefit.

“It is important that the transition from the CERB be seamless and painless for workers who have not regained employment,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Today’s changes address many of the problems we’ve helped identify for the federal government.”

Unifor members ratify major gains at Residence Inn

VANCOUVER—Members of Unifor Local 433 voted 96 per cent in favour of a new four-year contract that improves the recall notice for laid off workers.

“The hospitality industry has struggled during the pandemic, but Unifor members have worked hard to fight for their rights to be recalled fairly,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Unifor collective agreements help ensure income security and lead the hospitality industry.”

Media Advisory: Unifor negotiations with Detroit Three begin tomorrow

August 11, 2020 TORONTO– Unifor will begin formal contract talks with the Detroit Three automakers, Fiat Chrysler, Ford and General Motors, to reach collective agreements for nearly 20 thousand members on August 12, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, strict safety protocols will be in place for the duration of the negotiations to ensure compliance with Ontario health directives. Unifor will make every effort to provide media with all necessary materials to allow for safe, remote coverage.

Media Advisory: Unifor to begin negotiations August 12th with Detroit Three automakers

August 6, 2020

TORONTO– Unifor will begin formal contract talks with the Detroit Three automakers, Fiat Chrysler, Ford and General Motors, to reach collective agreements for nearly 20 thousand members on August 12, 2020.

"These are significant negotiations at a time when the auto sector needs new investment to rebuild our economy with more Made in Canada manufacturing,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. “Our union is committed to negotiating a solid agreement that makes progress on wages and working conditions for our members."

Unifor urges retaliation for unfair aluminum tariffs

August 6, 2020

TORONTO—The re-imposition of punitive tariffs on Canadian aluminum exports by the U.S. Department of Commerce warrants a swift and aggressive trade reaction from the Trudeau government, says Unifor.

“A policy designed for Russian and Chinese exports has been recklessly applied to Canadian producers,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Prime Minister Trudeau must respond with severe countermeasures.”

Unifor welcomes mask requirement for Translink, B.C. Transit users

August 6, 2020

VICTORIA—The new requirement for transit passengers to wear masks onboard buses is a welcome change that will help protect both other passengers and transit operators, says Unifor.

“With the proper precautions, we can have great public transit that minimizes public health risks,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “We have the upmost confidence in the Provincial Health Officer.”

Strike averted as Dominion store workers reach tentative agreement

July 31, 2020 ST. JOHN’S–Unifor Local 597 and Loblaw Companies Limited have reached a tentative collective agreement, avoiding strike action at Dominion stores across Newfoundland. “These members have shown their character on the frontline of the pandemic and throughout the bargaining process as they united to improve working standards,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. “Unifor has and will continue the fight to raise the bar for essential retail workers.” Details of the collective agreement will not be released prior to ratification.

“Enough talk. We need bold action now.”: a coalition of unions representing front-line healthcare workers respond to Ontario’s long-term care staffing study

July 30, 2020

TORONTO — Unions that represent front-line healthcare workers across the long-term care sector issued the below joint statement following the release of Ontario’s long-term care staffing study, attributed to Sharleen Stewart, President, SEIU Healthcare, Candace Rennick, Secretary-Treasurer, CUPE Ontario, and Jerry Dias, National President, Unifor:

Dominion store strike deadline looms

July 30, 2020

ST. JOHN’S–Negotiations to renew the collective agreement between Unifor and Loblaw Companies Limited are coming down to the wire as a strike deadline that will affect all 11 Dominion stores in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador looms.

“This is not the outcome we want. However, as the hours pass it becomes clearer that strike action may be inevitable,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias.

Unifor vows to continue fighting Kenney's anti-worker law

EDMONTON—Unifor members have resolved to continue to defend their rights at work after the all-night session of the legislature eased the passage of Bill 32.

“Bill 32 is a blatant attack on workers’ constitutional rights. There is absolutely no way we will comply with it,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Jason Kenny is turning back the clock on workers’ rights to benefit his wealthiest corporate donors.”

Unifor members ratify major gains at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

VANCOUVER—Members of Unifor Local 4275 overwhelmingly ratified a three-year contract that offers greater job protection during uncertain times in the hospitality industry.

“Unifor is a union for hospitality workers,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “The protections brokered in this collective agreement give greater income security to workers that have been so deeply affected by the pandemic.”

Dominion store workers deliver overwhelming strike mandate

July 24, 2020

ST. JOHN’S – Unifor members at Dominion grocery stores across Newfoundland have delivered an overwhelming 94% strike mandate, after negotiations with Loblaw Companies Limited have failed to produce a new collective agreement.

“These frontline workers have stepped up to serve their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic but Dominion continues to deny them full-time jobs and fair pay,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias.

The union has set a strike deadline a week from today at 12:01 a.m. Friday July 31, 2020.

BC Court should ensure Northern Pulp financing protects workers and the forestry sector

July 23, 2020

VANCOUVER—Unifor is urging the British Columbia court overseeing creditor protection hearings for Northern Pulp to ensure the ridiculous squabble between Paper Excellence and the Nova Scotia government doesn’t destroy the forest industry in Nova Scotia. A financing agreement that is good for workers, protects the environment, and supports the continuation of the forestry sector in Nova Scotia must be achieved.

End profit in long-term care, reinvest in more residents’ supports and staffing, urge advocates in new “CARE NOT PROFITS” campaign

July 23, 2020

TORONTO — Ontarians are being urged to join a growing call for profound changes to the province’s long-term care system that would end profit-making in the provision of residential care. Today, SEIU Healthcare, CUPE, and Unifor, unions that represent workers across the long-term care sector, invited families to demand reforms from Premier Doug Ford so money goes to better care for seniors, not profits for corporate shareholders.

Long-term care workers’ unions launch public push to end for-profit care

July 22, 2020

TORONTO – Tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., SEIU Healthcare, CUPE Ontario, and Unifor, unions that represent healthcare workers across the long-term care sector, will unveil the next stage of their joint advocacy, calling for profound change to improve the conditions of work and care through an end to for-profit care.