National President Lana Payne told Senators Bill C-58 anti-scab legislation is crucial to protect the rights and dignity of workers during testimony before the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science & Technology.
On June 20, we observe World Refugee Day, a moment to reflect on the struggles and resilience of refugees around the globe and to reaffirm our commitment to their rights and dignity.
Originally from Eritrea, a country in Northeast Africa that borders the Red Sea, Unifor Ontario Regional Director, Samia Hashi, and her family immigrated to Canada from Saudi Arabia when she was just 6 years old.
FORT NELSON—Unifor has received six-months notice of a possible closure or partial-closure of the Fort Nelson Gas Plant (FNGP) from North River Midstream and is working with the company to ensure severance provisions are followed in the event of a closure.
The notice is a requirement of the Unifor National Energy Pattern Bargaining Agreement.
“It is concerning news and we will work hard to ensure that our members receive appropriate severance and related accommodations,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
Wage increases, benefits enhancements, and gratuity improvements are key highlights of a new three-year collective agreement with the W Hotel ratified on June 1, 2024 by members of Unifor Local 112.
“Unifor members are standing up to employers and negotiating excellent contracts in the hospitality sector,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The standard set at the W Hotel today will help form the basis for upcoming hotel negotiations in Toronto.”
For more than twenty years, the Unifor Women in Skilled Trades and Technology Awareness program has provided hands on training and support to open paths for women to work in Skilled Trades. Watch Unifor’s strong and fierce mentors share their knowledge with the next generation of Skilled Trades women.
Health care workers, members of Unifor Local 598 and community supporters rallied outside Jarlette Health Services in Midland, Ontario demanding fair wages and for the employer to come back to the bargaining table and negotiate a collective agreement.
VIA Rail’s recent changes to its baggage policy highlight a shift in priorities, making eco-friendly travel more challenging in Canada.
Passenger rail travel remains the most environmentally-friendly mode of intercity transport, crucial for many remote and isolated communities. VIA Rail serves as a vital link for those needing to travel for family, work, school, and health care.
Unifor Local 302 members at Wellkin Child and Youth Mental Wellness have successfully concluded contract negotiations, resulting in several improvements for members.
The Unifor National Skilled Trades Council bid farewell to retiring Chairperson Dave Cassidy and welcomed new Chairperson Ken Anderson at the June 7-9 Council in Surrey B.C.
Sault Ste. Marie – Paramedics represented by Unifor Local 1359 are rejecting arbitration and urging the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSMSSAB) to return to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair deal.
WINNIPEG—Manitoba Hydro Utility Service’s management’s refusal to grant the public sector pattern wage increases has led to an overwhelming strike vote at Unifor Local 681.
“If Manitoba Hydro intends to widen compensation gaps within its workforce, we’re going to have a problem,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Local 681 members will have the support of Unifor members from coast to coast as they pursue a fair contract.”
Mzwandile Poncana’s fellowship at the University of Toronto’s Investigative Journalism Bureau (IBJ), which Unifor has supported with funding, paved the way for a bright summer internship at the award-winning digital magazine, The Local.
“Unifor is proud to invest in the next generation of journalists by investing in the IBJ,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “As we know, journalism is the backbone of democracy and investments in local news to provide quality, fact-based journalism can only benefit Canadian society.”
TORONTO—Enbridge Gas’ proposal to eliminate the evening and overnight emergency response shift will jeopardize the lives of customers and nearby residents, says Unifor.
“The disregard for public safety is breath-taking,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “If the company does not have enough workers to fulfil critical emergency roles, it is because it has laid off too many workers in pursuit of returns for shareholders.”
BRAMPTON—Workers at MDA Space ratified a new collective agreement today, bringing a nine-week strike at the aerospace manufacturer’s global headquarters in Brampton to an end.
The members of Kingston Access Bus, Local 4266 in Kingston, Ont. have ratified their new agreement by 92%.
“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for their hard work to support our skilled and hard-working transit members who perform incredibly important duties in the community, day in and out,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
“Thank you to the members, who have been vocal about their support to Unifor’s accomplishments during this round of bargaining.”
MONTREAL/TORONTO- Unifor members employed by Expertech, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bell Canada Enterprises Inc., ratified new collective agreements following several weeks of voting in Quebec and Ontario. The new agreements cover approximately 730 members who work in clerical and technical capacities.
On May 30, Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle joined Local 10-B President Sheldon Morice and 1st Vice President Wes Mitchell for a tour of the Kruger pulp mill in Kamloops, B.C.
While in Kamloops, McGarrigle and Unifor leaders met with Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson, City Councillor Katie Neustaeter, and Kruger management to discuss the mill’s struggles with a regular economic access to fibre with which to run the mill. Kruger’s facility is not alone in its fibre supply troubles:
Holding placards that read, “Bus or plane, Unifor scope is still the same,” more than 50 Unifor members and supporting unions and aviation organizations rallied at Pearson International Airport on June 5 to protect their scope work after Air Canada recently hired a bus company to shuttle passengers to different airports.
TORONTO—Unifor applauds the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)’s announcement today of new supports for local Canadian news, in conjunction with its regulatory plan to modernize Canada’s broadcasting framework.
“Unifor has been advocating for American streamers to pay their fair share to the Canadian broadcasting system for over 15 years,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission 280 Slater Street P.O. Box 1046, Station B Ottawa, ON K1P 5S9
As Canada's nuclear regulatory agency, we are writing to inform you of the potential for mishandling of radioactive material at the Best Theratronics medical devices facility in Ottawa, Ontario.
KANATA, ONT.—Unifor and the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) sent a joint letter to the Canadian Safety Nuclear Commission (CNSC) today, expressing their concerns about Best Theratronics using unqualified managers and non-union workers as scab labour to handle safety-sensitive equipment at its Kanata, Ont. facility, including those containing radioactive material.
OTTAWA – Unifor welcomes the passing of the third reading of the federal pharmacare bill, bringing Canada one step closer to making universal pharmacare a reality.
Unifor continues to pressure the Bank of Canada to lower interest rates as the bank prepares for its upcoming June 5 announcement.
“The Bank of Canada hiked and then stubbornly held the interest rate level for far too long and it is past time for relief to be provided to working people across the country,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “The reality is high interest rates are creating the inflation problems the Bank is trying to address.”
June marks National Indigenous History Month, a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, art, and music of Indigenous peoples. This month is an opportunity to honour the resilience, achievements, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and to reflect on the importance of their traditions and heritage.
With the election of Canada’s first First Nations premier, Wab Kinew, there is lots to celebrate.
WILLIAMS LAKE—Unifor members at Local 3018 were forced to take strike action at the Gibraltar copper mine on June 1, 2024 after the company refused to negotiate basic terms of a new collective agreement.
“A fair collective agreement, with wages and benefits that reflect the significant contributions of our members, is not too much to ask. The disruption that began earlier today is entirely the company's doing,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
Fredericton —Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray was present as the Green Party of New Brunswick tabled anti-scab legislation and says every party should be supporting this bill.
“The use of scabs undermines bargaining, breaks trust between employer and employees, and leads to longer labour disputes and a more toxic work environment,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Every worker has a right to free and fair collective bargaining and anti-scab legislation upholds that right.”
