All News

Auto workers at THK Rhythm Automotive ratify new three-year collective agreement

Unifor Local 1859 members at THK Rhythm have voted to ratify a new collective agreement that includes general wage increases, a special inflation wage adjustment, new cost-of-living-adjustments (COLA), the reduction of wage progressions and the elimination of health and welfare benefit tiers. 

Unifor represents approximately 233 members at the auto parts manufacturer, located in Tillsonburg, Ontario. 

Wage increases, improved layoff protections part of new Euramax deal with Unifor members

Unifor members at Local 542 have unanimously voted in favour of a new three-year agreement with their manufacturing employer, Euramax, in Barrie, Ont.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for negotiating a strong contract that our manufacturing members could easily get behind,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “These are wins that should be celebrated.”

Euramax Canada manufactures aluminum eavestroughs, steel, vinyl and copper products, including roof drainage systems.

Unifor members at Arlanxeo ratify new agreement

Wage increases and pension gains are highlights of a new three-year contract ratified this week by members of Unifor Local 914.

“These were tough negotiations during a turbulent period for the company. The bargaining committee successfully struck a balance between achieving gains for the short term and stability for the future,” said Tom Rinker, Unifor Local 914 President.

Ontario Regional Council 2023

ORC 2023 was remarkable. 

Workers shared stories of struggle, communities coming together to lend a hand, and our collective resolve to fight like never before to change the world. 

During a time when conflict and division have grown, and the wealth gap widens and deepens, worker solidarity vividly shines through. 

Watch our ORC 2023 recap video to see key moments from this powerful gathering.

Statement for International Women’s Day 2024

On March 8, we mark International Women’s Day (IWD). 

As the union dedicated to advancing equity in every workplace, we can be proud of the considerable importance that Unifor places on bargaining equity gains, investments made in advancing women’s representation at every level of our union, and supports the union provides for women to take leadership roles in their workplaces, in politics, and within their communities. 

Unifor condemns CN Autoport's legal intimidation of striking workers

HALIFAX — Unifor condemns CN Autoport, for engaging in legal ploys to harass and intimidate workers engaged in peaceful strike action.

On the first day of a legal strike, Autoport sought an injunction that falsely accused Unifor Local 100 members of blocking access to International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) workers, a charge the union refutes.

Members at Sarnia Public Library and the Judith and Norman Alix Art Gallery vote 100% for robust agreement

Unifor Local 444 members are pleased after giving their unanimous seal of approval to ratifying a new deal with the City of Sarnia that covers workers at Sarnia Public Library and the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery. 

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee, that showcased Unifor’s professionalism, credibility, experience and strength,” said National President Lana Payne. 

The ratification vote took place Feb. 18.

RailLine Volume 11 – Issue 7

Autoport attempts to strike bust with use of scab labour

Autoport is attempting to strike bust with the use of scabs, some brought in from out of province, who are violating the legal picket line of Unifor Local 100 members who commenced strike action at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

Autoport attempts to strike bust with use of scab labour

HALIFAX — Autoport is attempting to strike bust with the use of scabs, some brought in from out of province, who are violating the legal picket line of Unifor Local 100 members who commenced strike action at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

Unifor Calls for Anti-Scab Legislation

Unifor is calling on all elected officials at the provincial, territorial and federal level to enact anti-scab legislation, in accordance with a set of basic principles based, in part, in existing legislation in Quebec, BC, and international jurisdictions. 

Unifor Local 100 announces official strike position at Autoport

HALIFAX - Unifor Local 100 has served Autoport with 48-hour strike notice, positioning for strike action starting 12:01 a.m., Tuesday, February 27.

“The union remains fully committed to negotiating a fair and equitable deal for our members that address the challenging economic times,” said Lana Payne,

Unifor National President. “I am calling on the employer to return to Monday’s negotiations with a genuine intent to reach an agreement. Our members prefer to avoid a labour dispute but stand ready to act if it becomes necessary.”

Unifor and Jamieson Laboratories reach tentative agreement

WINDSOR – After several weeks of very challenging negotiations, Unifor and Jamieson Laboratories in Windsor, Ont. have reached a tentative agreement. 

The 317 members of Unifor Local 195 employed by Jamieson have been on strike since February 1.

No details will be released until the ratification meeting scheduled for this Sunday.

The tentative agreement is unanimously endorsed by the national union and the local 195 bargaining committee.

Unifor signs open letter condemning Alberta's anti-trans policies

Feminist organizations oppose Premier Smith’s reckless proposed restrictions on the rights, freedoms, and medical care of trans youth and their families.

We, the undersigned, strongly condemn the Government of Alberta’s planned changes to gender-affirming care, education, and sports in the province. These changes amount to an attack on trans people, and in particular trans youth.

Goodwill Industries workers vote to join Unifor

Unifor is excited to announce that 47 workers from Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes, have voted to join Unifor, following a successful organizing campaign.

"With courage and conviction, workers at Goodwill Industries have taken a significant step towards workplace empowerment by choosing to join Unifor," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "We extend a heartfelt welcome to these workers as they join the Unifor family, and we stand ready to support their pursuit of fair treatment and respect."

Unifor’s fightback against Bell

Unifor is appalled by the callous decision by Bell Canada Enterprises Inc. (BCE)to terminate 4,800 jobs – 9% of its workforce – affecting 800 Unifor members in telecommunications and media, while deliberately putting shareholders ahead of workers with increased dividend payouts.

Bell has slashed news programming, eliminating the jobs of 100 media members at newsrooms across the country. Deep cuts in telco will result in job loss for 700 members, from clerical, to sales, to the boots on the ground, with hundreds more affected by modifications in their hours of work.

Reducing methane leaks from the natural gas supply chain

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

Minister Wilkinson,

On behalf of Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union representing 315,000 members in every sector of the economy, including nearly 15,000 members working in oil and gas extraction, natural gas distribution, electric utilities, nuclear energy, and petroleum refineries, I am writing with recommendations to support the reduction of methane leakage. 

Unifor MWF Local 1 member at Halifax Shipyard dies following workplace incident

HALIFAX– Unifor is mourning the tragic loss of a MWF Local 1 member at the Irving Halifax Shipyard. The worker died today following a workplace incident that is currently under investigation.

Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies and solidarity are with our member’s family and loved ones including their Unifor family and co-workers.

Unifor is working to ensure there is full-time, onsite grief counselling services available to all shipyard workers as they process this great loss.  

Pink Shirt Day 2024 - Statement

As we approach February 28, Pink Shirt Day, we stand firm in our commitment to fostering communities of respect and inclusivity.

Pink Shirt Day originated from an inspiring act of kindness in 2007, when a group of students in Nova Scotia rallied behind a fellow student who was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. Since then, it has grown into a global movement symbolizing our collective stand against bullying in all its forms.

Unifor urges swift changes to EI for parental leave

Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier spoke on behalf of Unifor alongside NDP MP for Elmwood-Transcona Daniel Blaikie to demand changes to Employment Insurance (EI) that currently discriminate against new parents.

Lana Payne’s message to Bell Canada Enterprises

“Bell has chosen to put profits over people in the middle of an affordability crisis. Bell, you have now put Unifor squarely on your path. You need to know our members recognize a fight when they see one. And so do I,” Unifor National President Lana Payne warns Bell Canada Enterprises following the termination of 4,800 workers, including 800 Unifor members in telecommunications and media. 

Local 222 drives changes toward equity and inclusion at GM Oshawa

Equity and inclusion work at Local 222 GM Oshawa Assembly was highlighted as Plant Chairperson Jason Gale and Employment Equity Representative/Women’s Advocate Teresa Martin invited Unifor Women’s Department Director Tracey Ramsey, and Human Rights Representative Tricia Brown to see the important changes members have driven at the GM Oshawa plant.

Unifor members at Gibraltar mine seeking ambitious improvements to collective agreement

WILLIAMS LAKE — Wages, safety improvements, and equitable workplace accountability are priorities for Unifor Local 3018 as bargaining opens with Taseko this month.

"In the face of increasing living costs and the inherent risks associated with mining, it is imperative that our members at Gibraltar receive fair compensation, robust safety measures, and just treatment in the workplace," stated Lana Payne, Unifor National President.

Ro-Bus bus drivers end strike in Châteauguay

After lengthy negotiations and a strike that lasted two weeks, members of Unifor Local 510 voted 93% in favor of a new collective agreement at a meeting on February 7, 2024.

Members began strike action on January 24 because the employer's wage offers were well below market standards.

"Despite the challenges encountered throughout the negotiation process, we were able to find common ground that meets the needs and concerns of our members," says Ysabel Vincelette, President of the Ro-Bus unit.

Local 848 ratifies new contract at Shell

On February 7 Unifor members refining and distributing petroleum products at the Shell refinery in Sarnia ratified a new three-year contract with a 12% wage increase over the life of the agreement.

The contract also includes improved vacation benefits and more flexibility to bank statutory holidays.

Finish Product Specialists will receive a $5,000 bonus. A one-time lump sum of $500 will be awarded to Lab Incumbents. 

Unifor members at Plains Midstream ratify new agreement

Wage gains and vacation improvements are highlights of a new collective agreement for Unifor Local 200 members working in the distribution and pipeline maintenance areas of Plains Midstream in Sarnia.

The three-year contract increases wages 12% over the term and improves mental health provisions. Unifor members in two categories of the wage grid will get an additional increase. The contract is retroactive to July 1, 2023 and will expire June 30, 2026.