Energy

WINNIPEG—Premier Heather Stefanson’s grudge against Manitoba Hydro workers has resulted in legal strike action and customer service disruptions, says Unifor.

WINNIPEG—Unifor Local 681 will hold a rally at Manitoba Hydro Place to launch legal strike action on June 17, 2022. 

“Premier Heather Stefanson is repeating the mistakes of Brian Pallister. The disrespect her government has shown for hard-working Manitoba Hydro workers is at the heart of this job action,” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director. “Our strike is a last resort, but we’re prepared to stand up for the fair contract our members have earned.”

What:    Rally for Manitoba Hydro workers

CAMBRIDGE—Unifor Local 999 members working in storage, transmission, and operations (STO) at Enbridge Gas have ratified a new collective agreement.

“Our members were united and showed great determination in their efforts to reach a fair and just collective agreement,” said Jeff Gray, President of Local 999.

The contract’s ratification puts an end to the 20-day strike and restores the safe and reliable operation of high pressure natural gas storage and transmission in the region, says Unifor.

TORONTO—Inadequate compensation from a profitable employer drove Unifor Local 999 members to begin a legal strike at 12:01 a.m. on May 25, 2022.

“We refuse to let inflation eat into our wages,” said Jeff Gray, President of Local 999. “We are ready to negotiate a resolution but it must ensure our wages are protected.”

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 Local 672 SGS Canada Inc. workers voted 89% to ratify a new three-year collective agreement Dec. 14, 2021 in Sarnia, Ont.

“Congratulations to Local 672,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “The bargaining team needs to be applauded for never wavering on their principles and negotiating a solid collective agreement for the membership.”

SGS Canada provides inspection, verification, testing and certification services for industrial enterprises on a contract basis.

TORONTO — Unifor Locals at Enbridge Gas Inc. have filed an application at the Ontario Labour Relations Board and filed a grievance in order to defend bargaining unit rights after learning that Enbridge Inc. is contracting out union work to a wholly-owned subsidiary.

“We will fight for union rights for all energy workers who have been cheated out of better wages and benefits,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “Enbridge cannot continue to use smoke and mirrors to create a shadow workforce doing the same work under a different name.”

November 22, 2021

SARNIA—The workers responsible for treating toxic waste at Corunna’s Clean Harbors site went on strike starting at 12:01 a.m. today.

“Gender equality and fairness are at the core of this job action,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “The employer can either follow the collective agreement and ensure wages keep up with inflation or it can expect work disruptions.”

Support from many member locals was important for helping the Unifor Local 449 reach a settlement with the employer SNRI, owned by oil and gas giant CNRL.

Local 449 at the Pine River Gas Plant near Chetwynd, British Columbia was on strike for 93 days between March and June this year. Foremost among supporters was the fellow energy sector members at Local 686-B, which donated $50,000 to Local 449’s strike fund.