Bargaining

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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. 

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. 

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.

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.