TORONTO – Unifor is deeply concerned and outraged that Bell Media has once again announced restructuring plans, this time, giving notice to close to 50 Unifor media workers.
“This is a corporation that has made billions of profits at the end of last year and they continue to carry on with their profit-over-people principle,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“This is yet another blow to journalism and democracy and a step towards bigger swaths of news deserts across Canada.”
Unifor representatives attended the 40th anniversary memorial of the tragedy at the Falconbridge mine in Sudbury, Ontario and presented Mine Mill Local 598 with a special award to honour their commitment to health and safety.
VANCOUVER—Unifor Local 3000 members have voted 98% in favour of strike action after contract negotiations broke off this month.
“Over the term of the last contract, inflation was the highest we’ve seen in four decades,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “At the same time, we know the hospitality industry has bounced back to pre-COVID levels and is making more money than ever.”
On Monday, June 24, Unifor National President Lana Payne joined workers, politicians and auto industry representatives for the federal government’s announcement of a 30-day consultation on potential policy response to guard against unfair Chinese electric vehicle imports.
Launching July 2, the consultations will solicit opinions on how best to prevent dumping and other unfair practices by EV manufacturers in China that threaten Canadian auto and auto parts jobs across the country.
On National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Mi’kmaq lawyer, professor and activist Pam Palmater joined Unifor Indigenous Liaison Gina Smoke to lead a webinar introducing the diverse traditions and protocols used by Indigenous communities.
“There is a rich diversity of cultures and traditions across Turtle Island,” said Smoke. “We want to help members appreciate that there is not one monolithic ‘First Nation,’ but thousands with their own histories and enduring practices.”
The work of Unifor women members in Ontario received special recognition at two separate events for their work to raise awareness on issues of intimate partner violence (IPV), and for their outstanding grassroots work advocating for women’s rights, social justice and the environment.
During yesterday’s negotiations with Bombardier, the company presented a final offer to the union. The bargaining committees reviewed the proposal, deemed it insufficient and ultimately rejected the final offer.
As a result, the strike at the Bombardier facility will continue.
Both parties remain apart on key union priorities. However, specific details of the negotiations will not be made public to protect the integrity of the bargaining process.
The Government of Canada has responded to the petition concerning the future of VIA Rail and the development of the High-Frequency Rail (HFR) project. This response is a welcome step forward, largely due to the thousands of people who have signed the Get Canada Back On Track petition and engaged with our campaign.
Today, 1,350 Unifor Local 112 and 673 members at Bombardier are on strike after the union and company did not reach an agreement by an 11:59 p.m. strike deadline on Saturday.
The union’s bargaining committee members are working towards an agreement and both parties remain committed to continuing the bargaining process.
Negotiations between Unifor and Bombardier continued throughout last night and into late this morning. Both parties agreed to resume negotiations early tomorrow morning.
Further updates will be provided to Unifor members as the situation develops.
REGINA—New protocols for discussing working conditions are some of the highlights of a new three-year collective agreement ratified by members of Unifor Locals 1-S and 2-S.
“Unifor members are at the core of successful Saskatchewan Crown corporations like SaskTel,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “This agreement helps make workers part of the discussion to maintain high-quality services while protecting good jobs.”
Unifor and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) have launched a series of digital billboard ads directed at Best Theratronics in Kanata, Ont., to treat their workers with respect and get back to the bargaining table with a fair deal.
“This company has ignored our members’ concerns about workplace safety by use of scab labour and continue to have the nerve of proposing a two-year contract, with zero wage increases,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
Members at PepsiCo Foods Canada, which operate the Quaker Oats manufacturing facility in Peterborough, Ont., have ratified a new three-year contract.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for fighting for a contract that addresses the needs of the members,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“As we’re living through an affordability crisis, there needs to be equity when it comes to accessing wages and benefits – whether it’s new hires or retired workers, and I’m proud that the union succeeded.”
Trois-Rivières - Unifor is proud to announce the conclusion of a historic agreement in principle between the employees at the Kruger plant in Trois-Rivières and the company's management, putting an end to the strike that began on May 30, 2024.
WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C.—Significant wage increases and equity measures are key features of a three-year collective agreement ratified this evening by Unifor Local 3018.
“Unifor members in Williams Lake have successfully negotiated a collective agreement that reflects their important contribution to the success of Taseko,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The bargaining committee showed great leadership in demanding new equity practices. The members’ solid support for their committee during this 18-day strike was critical to being successful.”
OTTAWA—Unifor welcomes Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, passing third reading as an important milestone for workers in the transition to net-zero.
“Passing Bill C-50 puts Canada on the right path to creating and sustaining the jobs of today and tomorrow in an economy in transition,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
OTTAWA—Unifor is celebrating the passage of anti-scab legislation after Bill C-58 was adopted by the Senate at third reading without amendment.
“This is a watershed moment for Canadian workers as after more than a century of struggle legislation will finally prevent the use of scabs in federally governed workplaces,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Now Unifor will continue the fight to enact strong and meaningful anti-scab legislation in every province and territory to ensure that the bargaining power of all workers across the country is protected.”
Unifor held its 20th anniversary Charity Golf Classic tournament on June 14 at Granite Ridge Golf Club in Milton, Ont. to raise money for Raising the Roof.
On June 26, Unifor celebrates the inaugural Airport Workers Day, organized by the Canadian Airports Council (CAC), which shows appreciation for airport workers across Canada.
Unifor Local 1106 members at Traverse Independence in Kitchener have ratified a new 3-year collective agreement resulting in several significant improvements for members.
“One of the major challenges the union faced during the negotiations was securing wage increases amid stagnant government funding,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director, Samia Hashi. “This agreement highlights the strength and solidarity of our members, ensuring they are recognized and rewarded for their dedication and hard work.”
On this day in 1834, the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 took effect, which laid a pathway to freeing enslaved people in British colonies across the globe and here in Canada.
EDMONTON—Unifor Local 530-A members at Shell Scotford have voted overwhelmingly to reject a mediator’s recommendations for terms of settlement that would have kept the refinery workers well-below industry standards for compensation.
“We have been clear from the start: Shell workers deserve wages and benefits consistent with other Unifor energy workers,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Local 530-A will not settle for second class status.”
VANCOUVER—A wage floor and access to workers' compensation for gig workers are among the positive changes to employment standards regulations announced June 12 by the Government of B.C.
“B.C. is leading the way to enshrine the basic rights of the gig workers,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Today’s proposals will take gig workers one step closer to economic fairness.”
Good afternoon to the honourable members of the Senate and my fellow panelists.
My name is Lana Payne. I am Unifor’s National President representing 320,000 workers across this country, including 70,000 in federally regulated private sectors such as air, road, rail and marine, as well as telecommunications and media.
Unifor members in the Atlantic region marked a decade of fightbacks and victories as the Atlantic Regional Council convened in Halifax, Nova Scotia from June 10-12.
Longtime friend of the council and Elder at the Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre Debbie Eisen welcomed attendees to Mi’kmaqi. Unifor Indigenous Relations Officer Gina Smoke spoke about smudging and the smudging kits delegates received.
Unifor members in the Atlantic region reflect on a decade of building worker power and the incredible community of trade unionists responsible for the biggest worker victories over the past ten years.
Her Worship Olivia Chow Mayor, City of Toronto @email
Dear Mayor Chow,
Re: Enbridge Gas Reduction in Shifts (SM35669)
Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, is writing to express our concern regarding proposed cuts by Enbridge Gas that may negatively affect the safety and increase costs for residents of Toronto.
There are two issues affecting Toronto:
Accessibility
Documents can be requested in alternative/accessible formats by emailing communications@unifor.org
