The auto industry in Canada is back on solid ground and has a strong future, thanks in large part to Unifor, and a federal government that recognizes the importance of the industry, Unifor National President Jerry Dias said at the Toronto Auto Show today.
The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) remains a bad deal for workers in both Canada and Europe, despite ratification by the European Union, and the fight to oppose full implementation will continue. For more details, click here.
TORONTO, February 9 – A rally will be held Friday in Scarborough for workers at Vast Auto, forced on strike last weekend by an employer refusing to pay them more than poverty-level wages despite the rapidly rising cost of living. “This company makes large profits off the backs of workers by exploiting a workforce of marginalized workers and immigrants hired through temporary agencies,” said Unifor National Representative Paulo Ribeiro, adding Unifor is prepared to return to the table at any time to negotiate a fair collective agreement.
Regina—Premier Brad Wall’s open musing about privatizing SaskTel reeks of desperation and breaks a key election promise he made on March 15, 2016.
“Saskatchewan’s Crown corporations are like the goose that lays golden eggs—we need them for the long term value, not some panicked sell-off,” said Joie Warnock, Unifor Western Director. “Privatization means higher prices. Period.”
Speaking to a visiting delegation of Danish parliamentarians, Unifor Ontario Regional Director Naureen Rizvi said that trade deals that put a higher priority on the desires of big companies or corporations than the needs of citizens tend to result in a race to the bottom, and warned against rapid CETA ratification. For more details, click here.
TORONTO, February 7 – As part of its effort to advance a united labour movement, Unifor will make a statement and offer solidarity to the TTC union that is dealing with an American take over.
The elimination of local sports coverage at a TV station in Barrie, Ontario, is a prime example of the crisis facing media outlets across this country, Unifor says.
Toronto - Unifor stands in solidarity with Canadian Union of Brewery and General Workers (CUBGW) members, forced on strike by Molson Coors since January 12. “This is a straight out attack on the middle-class by a multi-million dollar company,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. “The strings are being pulled by an American head office determined to engage in a race to the bottom, with an agenda to lower the standard of living for workers in the name of corporate greed.” Molson Coors tabled an offer with reductions in wages, pensions and benefits.
Toronto—Unifor has reached a tentative agreement with one of the world’s largest international parcel shipping companies, avoiding midnight job action deadline. “The bargaining committee worked around the clock to secure fair compensation for the workers who make DHL successful,” said Mario Santos, Unifor National Representative. “DHL has achieved success and growth in recent years, and its unionized employees were a key party of that.” Unifor’s 900 members would have been in a legal strike position at 12:01 a.m. ET on Monday, February 6.
BRAMPTON, February 5 – Workers at Vast Auto Distribution in Brampton were forced on strike early today after the employer walked away from the bargaining table on Friday and refused to consider raising wages above poverty levels. “This employer continues to want to pay its workers poverty rate wages, in a city where the cost of living is rising rapidly,” said Unifor National Representative Paulo Ribeiro. “Our membership is committed to ensuring that doesn’t happen, for themselves, their spouses and their children.” The 29 members of Local 1285 were forced on strike at 12:01am today.
February 1, 2017 Vancouver—One of Canada’s largest international parcel shipping companies has received 72-hour strike notice after bargaining between DHL and Unifor has stalled. “We’re left with no other choice if DHL won’t take concessions off the bargaining table,” said Mario Santos, Unifor National Representative. “The level of disruption that DHL is inviting for customers is unfortunate, but avoidable.” Unifor’s 800 members will be in a legal strike position as of Monday, February 6 at 12:01 a.m. E.T.
Jan. 16, 2017 Unifor welcomes news that the Ontario government will move to create a dedicated occupational disease response team, slated to be operational later in 2017. “Unifor has long advocated for recognition of occupational diseases,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Naureen Rizvi.
January 16, 2017 VANCOUVER—Unifor and one of Canada’s largest courier companies Loomis Express will enter contract negotiations this week. Unifor says that respectful treatment of the employees, contracting out and economic issues will dominate the bargaining. “We look forward to negotiating a contract that reflects the massive contributions of workers to this company’s success and sets a more respectful working environment for the employees,” said Todd Romanow, Unifor National Representative.
TORONTO, Jan. 9, 2017 /CNW/ - Unifor welcomes an announcement from the federal and provincial governments to convert loans to the auto industry to grants.
"It is good to see Ottawa and the province recognizing the importance of the auto industry to provide much-needed good jobs and investment in our communities," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. "All levels of government must work together to show leadership and support for the auto industry."
OTTAWA, Dec. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor welcomes the Ministry of Labour's ruling to support a refusal to work by an armoured car worker, employed at Brink's Canada Limited. Today's decision backs an earlier federal Ministry of Labour ruling into the "all off" model employed by many companies in the armoured car industry.
Unifor welcomes the Ministry of Labour's ruling to support a refusal to work by an armoured car worker, employed at Brink's Canada Limited. Today's decision backs an earlier federal Ministry of Labour ruling into the "all off" model employed by many companies in the armoured car industry.
GANDER, NL, Dec. 20, 2016 /CNW/ - Workers at D-J Composites Inc., a Gander-based aerospace company owned by a U.S. firm, locked out its employees, members of Unifor local 597 late Monday evening.
As part of this campaign our union has committed to hold a meeting with local leadership and the Forestry Council in February to review and discuss components of the campaign. At this meeting, it is our hope that we will discuss our strategic approach to move forward.
TORONTO, Dec. 15, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor welcomes the implementation of a comprehensive federal asbestos ban by 2018.
"Asbestos is a known killer; this ban will save the lives of Canadian workers," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. "For years, Unifor has been fighting for this ban as a first step, and while we've stopped future use, the government must continue the work to address damage that has already been done in terms of health and the environment."
TORONTO, Dec. 14, 2016 /CNW/ - School bus drivers with the Toronto public and Catholic school boards will hold a rally Thursday to demand that First Student honour the collective agreement it signed with Unifor just over a month ago.
TORONTO, Dec. 14, 2016 /CNW/ - School bus drivers with the Toronto public and Catholic school boards will hold a rally Thursday to demand that First Student honour the collective agreement it signed with Unifor just over a month ago.
TORONTO, Dec. 14, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor economist Jordan Brennan released a response to the report on Atlantic Canadian austerity issued by the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies (AIMS) citing its findings as 'deeply flawed' and 'misleading'.
