Andrea Horwath, Leader – Official Opposition
New Democratic Party of Ontario
Dear Andrea,
Re: Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) in Ontario
I am writing to you on behalf of the 4,000 Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) represented by Unifor who have stepped up during this pandemic for the people of Ontario.
We write on behalf of unions that represent over 150,000 dedicated Ontario health care workers, to address the announcement of a one-time $5,000 retention bonus for front-line nurses. Together our unions represent 25,000 Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) and we write to ensure that these nurses are explicitly covered by any retention bonus. Furthermore, we are calling on your government to ensure workers who deliver critical services in Ontario’s retirement homes also receive this retention bonus.
Like so many of you, the National Union and its officers are monitoring the so-called ‘Freedom Convoy’ demonstrations taking place at Parliament Hill, at various border crossings and other locations throughout the country. The actions that convoy protestors have taken in recent weeks are troubling and, in some cases, reprehensible.
In addition to our bargaining campaign, the national union, alongside Unifor Council 4000 and Local 100, has developed a multi-prong national rail campaign, "Get Canada Back On Track. Invest In Passenger Rail".
Bargaining Update: Bell Aliant and Bell Clerical Negotiations
The Bargaining Committees of Unifor Atlantic Communication Locals (ACL) and Bell Clerical workers are pleased to report that we reached a Maintenance of Activities (MOA) agreement with the employer. Bargaining will begin on February 15, 2022 for the Bell Clerical group and on February 18, 2022 for the Bell workers in the Atlantic.
Both bargaining units reached agreements that are consistent with previous MOAs.
Mark your calendars for March 8 and make a plan to join us for an International Women’s Day Online Event at 7:00 p.m. ET!
International Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on the victories we’ve made toward equality, and look forward to the next challenges that we can prepare to face together. This year, we also welcome Tracey Ramsey as the new Unifor Women’s Department Director!
WHAT: IWD Online Event WHEN: March 8, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. ET
HALIFAX - Unifor welcomes the news today that Nova Scotia will be increasing the rate of pay for Continuing Care Assistants (CCAs) in the province by more than 20% as of tomorrow.
On February 3, 2022, members across Ontario participated in a Day of Action to urge provincial Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) and Premier Ford to sign the federal child care plan that promises more than $30 billion in funding to create accessible, affordable, quality child care nationwide.
Unifor Local 914 members working at Advanced Materials in Sarnia have ratified a new four-year agreement.
“Congratulations to the members of Local 914 for achieving a collective agreement that reflects their skilled contributions to the success of TODA Advanced Materials,” said Unit Chair Steve Pallin.
After reaching a tentative deal at the strike deadline on February 4, Local 914 members ratified the agreement by a margin of 77%.
Unifor's testimony on Canada-US trade policy delivered by Assistant to the National President Shane Wark, pushes for a comprehensive auto strategy that protects and grows unionized auto and parts jobs, secures a Canadian carve-in for US electric vehicle rebates, and strengthens our electric vehicle supply chain.
This column was originally published in the Toronto Star
For gig firms, the walls are closing in.
No one – not governments, not Uber, and certainly not any labour unions – believes that the gig economy can continue to operate in a regulatory vacuum. European governments are taking action.
Platform companies know that. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has even said it is practicable.
TORONTO — Unifor representatives and frontline Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) met with Ontario Minister of Health Christine Elliott on February 7, 2022 to discuss systemic issues and offer concrete solutions to retain and recruit health care workers in Ontario.
“This bill alone won’t solve all the challenges VIA Rail is facing,” said Scott Doherty, Unifor’s lead rail negotiator and Executive Assistant to the Unifor National President. “However it’s a long overdue step in the right direction and establishes a foundation and necessary building blocks that we can use to improve public passenger rail service in Canada.”
TORONTO – Unifor leadership and front-line Registered Practical Nurses (RPN’s) and will meet virtually with Ontario Minister of Health Christine Elliott to discuss issues faced by frontline health care members and present solutions to the ongoing crisis in Ontario's health care system.
TORONTO – Unifor is critical of today’s announcement by the provincial government that claims to combat hate by funding security and clean up instead of prevention and systemic change.
Workers at a Mexican General Motors plant voted this week to join a union of their own choosing, rejecting three company-linked unions that were also on the ballot.
“This is a tremendous victory for the workers at this plant, and for all workers in Mexico,” Unifor National President Jerry Dias said.
“All workers have the right to join a union of their own choosing, and to have a voice in their workplace.”
This Thursday, February 3, Unifor is hosting a Day of Action for Child Care in Ontario. We are asking everyone across this province to participate.
Urgent action needed now
Ontario is the only jurisdiction in Canada that has not signed the federal child care deal promising $10-a-day child care, more child care spaces, and better pay for child care workers. If Premier Ford doesn’t sign before the end of March, we stand to lose out on $1.2 billion – yes, BILLION – in funding.
On Monday, January 31, Unifor members gathered virtually with Ontario Regional Director Naureen Rizvi and Women’s Director Tracey Ramsey to organize a Day of Action for Child Care in Ontario.
For Unifor, Black History Month isn’t an event we only acknowledge in February.
This year, Canada recognizes Black History Month as February and Forever: Celebrating Black History Today and Every Day.
The Canadian government first recognized Black History Month in December 1995 in the House of Commons, following a motion introduced by the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine.
Unifor has long been advocating that it is vital to acknowledge and recognize Black members everyday.
Canada needs to get back on track and invest in the future of its rail system.
The federal government needs to step up and pour some significant dollars into VIA Rail, Canada’s national rail passenger service, if it wants to build back better, following the lead of our American counterparts.
Unifor Local 414 members at Canteen of Canada (Compass Group) ratified a new collective agreement that boosts wages, improves job security, and introduces a new Racial Justice Advocate position.
“In these increasingly difficult and uncertain times, we were focused on providing a more certain future for our members,” said Tony Falcone, Unifor Local 414 Vice President. “Thanks to our dedicated bargaining team, we delivered an agreement that strengthens union members’ job security provisions and clearly spells out work ownership.”
Your bargaining committee met two days this week with the Employer - Nova Scotia Health and IWK. After two long days, there are still a number of outstanding issues and progress has been slow. This completes six days of bargaining, which began in late December. This round of bargaining has been very challenging as we are unable to meet in person and must do so virtually.
WHISTLER—Strike action will begin at 5 a.m. on Saturday, January 29 as B.C. Transit’s contractors refuse to close the pay gap for Whistler-area transit operators, says Unifor.
“We are prepared to negotiate but we cannot say the same for B.C. Transit’s contractors in Whistler, Squamish, and Pemberton,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Without a fair offer to vote on, our member will take strike action.”
Unifor Local 444 members at Cottam Diecasting in Tecumseh, Ontario ratified a strong first contract after negotiations opened with the employer on Jan. 10, 2022.
“I want to thank the workers at Cottam Diecasting for believing in their worth,” said Dave Cassidy, Unifor Local 444 President. “This is a first contract that delivers on each of the issues that led workers to join the union. We can all be proud of laying a solid foundation we can build on for our future.”
WHITBY– Sobeys warehouse workers have negotiated massive wage increases, improved pensions and wage parity for part-time workers in a new four-year collective agreement.
The Honourable Paul Calandra, M.P.P.
Minister of Long-Term Care @email
Dear Minister Calandra,
I would like to congratulate you on your recent appointment as Minister of Long-Term Care. We appreciate that you have reached out to our union. The 15,000 members we represent in this sector have ultimately worked through a humanitarian crisis, one that still exists right across the province.
