All News

Unifor blasts Nova Scotia Environment decision as an “irresponsible” delay

HALIFAX - Unifor is deeply concerned about the high likelihood of widespread job loss across rural Nova Scotia following the Minister of Environment’s request for yet another series of studies on the Northern Pulp effluent treatment facility (ETF) project leading up to the Boat Harbour deadline.

Unifor encouraged by CUSMA improvements

December 10, 2019 TORONTO – Unifor is encouraged by announced amendments to the CUSMA, which clear the path to ratification of a deal to replace the damaging NAFTA trade agreement. “NAFTA has been a train-wreck of a trade deal for 25 years, causing great harm to Canada’s manufacturing industries and the rights of workers,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “The new CUSMA, while far from perfect, provides a road map to implement necessary changes in trade policy to benefit workers.

Unifor disappointed by Regina Police Service siding with Co-op Refinery to push through picket lines

December 10, 2019

REGINA—The Regina Police Service (RPS) has supported Co-op Refinery’s anti-union mandate by escorting vehicles through legal picket lines late Monday night, says Unifor.

“By intervening without a court order, RPS has shown not only highly questionable judgement, but also contempt for the highly-skilled workers fighting back against the company’s aggressive demand for concessions,” says Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Unifor members have kept the picket lines rock solid and respectful.”

Unifor Ontario Regional Council joins in solidarity with education worker unions

December 07, 2019 TORONTO – In a show of solidarity for education workers, Harvey Bischof, OSSTF President, Sam Hammond, ETFO President, Liz Stuart, OECTA President and Smokey Thomas, OPSEU President joined Unifor National President Jerry Dias at Unifor’s Ontario Regional Council today. “Together we’re sending a message to Doug Ford that when he picks a fight with one of us, he picks a fight with all of us,” said Dias. “This is personal. It’s personal when they attack our kids.” Hammond echoed the call for workers and unions to join forces.

Locked out Co-op Refinery workers to hold rally

December 5, 2019

REGINA—Members of Unifor Local 594 and their supporters will send a strong message to Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) and the Co-op Refinery Complex (CRC) to stop the attack on hard-earned pension plans.

“A refinery clearing $3 million a day in profit can easily afford to meet pension obligations to a highly skilled workforce,” said Scott Doherty, lead Unifor negotiator and Executive Assistant to Unifor’s National President.

Ontario Regional Council delegates mobilize against Ford cuts

December 05, 2019 TORONTO – Delegates representing Locals from across the province will mobilize against Doug Ford cuts during Unifor’s Ontario Regional Council, taking place December 6-7, 2019 at the Sheraton Centre, 123 Queen St. W Toronto. On December 6, delegates will commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women with a march and vigil at Queen’s Park to protest funding cuts to women’s shelters and programs.

No Cuts to Education. Unifor supports OSSTF

Unifor’s 168,000 members in Ontario are united behind the support staff and teachers of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) on their one-day strike action, and in their sustained campaign for a fair contract.

Unifor will not attend Alberta government’s sham “consultation”

November 29, 2019

EDMONTON –Unifor will not participate in a meeting hosted by Alberta’s deputy labour minster tomorrow, calling it a disingenuous attempt at consultation.

“If Jason Kenney thinks Unifor will legitimize this sham process, he is out of touch. His intentions are clear and we will not stand for any attempt to silence the independent voice of workers,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.

Unifor maintains support for Northern Pulp ETF proposal

November 28, 2019

HALIFAX – Unifor leadership is expressing its continued support for the Northern Pulp effluent treatment facility (ETF) project currently under review with Nova Scotia Environment (NSE).

Unifor and Coast Mountain Bus Company reach tentative agreement

VANCOUVER—Unifor Local 111 and 2200 have reached a tentative agreement with Coast Mountain Bus Company, ending a 26-day strike by nearly 5,000 transit workers.

“Transit workers stood up for one another and fought hard to get a fair contract,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Total service disruption was a last resort, so our members are relieved that they can return to serving the public.”

Unifor congratulates Teamsters for reaching tentative agreement with CN

November 26, 2019

TORONTO- Unifor offers its congratulations to the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference upon reaching a tentative agreement with CN, ending an eight-day strike. 

“This strike was about what matters most, ensuring that workers come home safely at the end of their shift,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Workers have a right to bargain collectively to defend our interests. I am proud to see that process respected not only by the parties involved, but also by the federal government.”

Unifor refinery workers take fight with Co-op to airwaves at Grey Cup

As Federated Co-op Limited (FCL) continues to demand concessions and digs in for a fight against its own workforce, Unifor is ramping up its campaign by taking the bold move of debuting a new television commercial during the broadcast of the Grey Cup this Sunday.

Transit strike to escalate to system stoppage

November 20, 2019

VANCOUVER—Unless progress can be made in contract talks between TransLink’s Coast Mountain Bus Company and Unifor, a three-day system-wide work stoppage will commence at Wednesday, November 27, 2019.

Unifor says Parliament must act to save local news following Torstar layoffs

November 19, 2019

TORONTO - The union representing Canadian journalists and media workers is calling on the federal Parliament to act quickly to save local news in the wake of dramatic financial losses and over 120 layoffs at Torstar, Canada’s second largest news chain.

“This is a stunning number of layoffs,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. “The financial situation for local news is going from bad to worse. Less journalists means less news coverage.”

Media Advisory - Unifor to make transit strike announcement

November 19, 2019

NEW WESTMINSTER—A failure by the employer to make new offers at the bargaining table will push Unifor into the next phase of job action, to be announced on Wednesday morning.

Following the announcement, dozens of Unifor members from Coast Mountain Bus Company will receive strike training.

Members of the media are welcome to take footage of the training and speak with designated Unifor representatives about escalated job action.