All News

Unifor energy workers sign historic pattern deal

May 15, 2019

MONTREAL— Unifor has achieved a new tentative agreement that establishes the pattern for 8,500 members of the National Energy Program.

“The energy and chemical sector continues to be an important economic driver in Canada. By working together, our members have used their collective power to make much-deserved significant gains,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Energy and chemical jobs continue to be good jobs in communities right across the country.”

Unifor encourages local actions to stop homophobia and transphobia around the globe

On May 17, 2019, International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT), Unifor encourages members to build community with queer and trans members, and to support Pride activism globally.

At home and around the world, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community are increasingly scapegoated and targeted by oppressive and corrupt governments and political candidates.

While the arc of history continues to advance sexual orientation and gender diversity rights, the work is far from done.

Bargaining Updates

CN Members of Council 4000 ratify new agreements

More than 2,250 members who work at CN across Canada as members of National Council 4000 have voted to ratify new collective agreements.

They work under Collective Agreement 5.1 for clerical, shops and stores; 5.1 Supplemental for Intermodal and 5.4 for Excavator Operators.

Urgent support needed to make UNDRIP law

Unifor is urging members to send a letter to senators who are holding up the long-awaited adoption of the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights...

Shorter blood ban still discriminatory; behaviour-based survey needed

TORONTO– Unifor calls for a complete end to the blood ban and a shift to a behaviour-based blood donation survey in Canada.

This week Health Canada announced the one-year deferral period for men who have sex with men and trans women from donating blood will be reduced to 3 months.

“A ban is a ban. Canada faces a chronic shortage of blood and organ donation, but still turns away donors based on sexual orientation,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “We need blood donation policies that ensure a safe supply without reinforcing discrimination.”

Saskatchewan’s crown workers rally in countdown to legal strike position

May 4, 2019

REGINA – Unifor workers from Saskatchewan’s seven crown corporations say the clock is ticking and they deserve a fair collective agreement.

“The Premier needs to get serious about negotiations to avoid a major disruption in Crown services,” said Unifor President Jerry Dias. “The province is trying to cut costs on the backs of workers who have helped the Crowns be successful and strengthen Saskatchewan’s economy.”

Media Advisory - Crown corporation workers rally in countdown to legal strike position

May 3, 2019

REGINA - Unifor members from seven crown corporations will send a strong message to the Saskatchewan government on Saturday May 4: The clock is ticking and we deserve a fair collective agreement!

Five thousand Unifor members work at SaskTel, SaskEnergy, SaskPower, SaskWater, the Saskatchewan Water Authority, Directwest and SecurTek. All have expired collective agreements.

Statement on the National Student Climate Strike

May 3, 2019

Unifor stands in solidarity with participants of the National Student Climate Strike and supports the goals of immediate systemic action to reverse climate change.

“As usual, students and youth are showing leadership on the key issue of our time,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “We agree with students: there is no time to waste in making sweeping changes to avert serious global harm and Just Transition must be front and centre.”

International workers’ day

Today, May 1, 2019 Unifor joins nations around the world to mark International Workers’ Day or May Day. We express our solidarity with our sisters and brothers across the globe who are protesting and demanding better working conditions for everyone. We are all fighting the same battle and when we unite in that fight, it only strengthens our message. 

This year in particular, Unifor is engaged in several major fightback campaigns. We refuse to stand idly by while companies rake in profits on the backs of workers whose rights and jobs are under constant threat.