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First Student bus drivers vote in favour of strike action

TORONTO – Unifor members of First Student Bus – which provides school bus services for English and French language schools in the Cornwall, Ont. region – voted 94% in favour of strike action on Nov. 14.

“School bus operators are an integral part of the public education system with important responsibilities and yet they continue to be paid less than other professional drivers,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “They deserve decent pay and working conditions and the union is determined to fight for them.”

IMP Aerospace members ratify new collective agreement

HALIFAX-Unifor Local 2215 members working at IMP Aerospace in Hammonds Plains and Enfield, Nova Scotia, ratified a new collective agreement that sees increases to base wage rates, shift premiums, allowances, and improved paid time off.

“Members at IMP Aerospace were engaged and active throughout this bargaining process and that is vital to winning a better agreement,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “I congratulate the bargaining committee for their hard work and send my respect to every member for their solidarity."

Unifor members discuss the impact of climate change on jobs

Unifor's recent conference, "Climate Change and Our Jobs; Building an Economy where no Worker is Left Behind," brought together union members and experts to discuss the intersection of labour, environment, and economic policy in the context of the ongoing climate crisis. The conference featured a variety of speakers and panels addressing different aspects of climate change and its implications for workers.

IMP Aerospace members call off strike as new tentative is reached

HALIFAX -Unifor Local 2215 members working at IMP Aerospace in Hammonds Plains and Enfield have reached a new tentative agreement with the employer and will not undertake strike action today as planned. 

The Local is planning a ratification meeting to take place next week. Workers will remain in a legal strike position from 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 10, 2023, and could resume plans to strike unless the tentative is ratified by the membership.

Anti-scab legislation a major win for workers: Unifor

Ottawa—Today marks a significant victory for Canadian workers as new federal anti-scab legislation ensures workers’ right to strike without the threat of employers using scab labour to needlessly extend labour disputes or attempt to starve workers out.

Unifor to represent 1,000 AtkinsRealis employees through SPEA affiliation

TORONTO – Unifor is proud to announce that the members of The Society of Professional Engineers and Associates (SPEA) have voted 86% in favour of affiliating with Unifor.

"This is a historic moment for Unifor and SPEA as we join forces,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Unifor and AtkinsRéalis members can begin building a new chapter of strength and unity together for many years to come."

2023 B.C. Regional Council

Unifor members from across British Columbia gathered in Vancouver during October 20-21 to discuss campaigns and plan for the year ahead.

National Executive Board swears in new members

Unifor’s National Executive Board (NEB) opened its meetings this week by swearing in new members to the board.

Among them was Michelle Wilson, Unifor’s first Indigenous Representative on the NEB, who was elected at the Black, Indigenous and Workers of Colour (BIWOC) Conference last September.

IMP Aerospace members to begin strike action on Friday

HALIFAX - Unifor Local 2215 members working at IMP Aerospace in Hammonds Plains and Enfield have issued a 72-hour notice that a strike will begin at both locations on Friday, November 10 at 1:00 p.m.

“Our members at IMP Aerospace provide important and skilled work,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “They are looking for an agreement that is reflective of these economic times given the growing cost of living in the region.”

Unifor members at Stellantis ratify new agreements

TORONTO— Unifor auto members at Stellantis voted to ratify the Master Collective Agreement (covering the Windsor Assembly Plant, Brampton Assembly Plant and Etobicoke Casting Plant), along with agreements covering Unifor members working in the office, clerical and engineering unit, fire and security unit and PDC units in Mississauga and Red Deer.

Unifor Endorsement of the November 8 Canadian Federation of Students National Day of Action

Brandon Rhéal Amyot, National Chairperson
Canadian Federation of Students

Dear Brandon,

As Canada’s largest private sector union, representing 315,000 members across Canada, we write to express solidarity with you as you organize for a National Day of Action. We are proud to endorse your Fight the Fees Day of Action and share your vision for affordable, accessible post-secondary education for all. We support your organizing efforts to see this vision become reality in Canada.

Unifor reaches tentative agreement with Suncor

The national bargaining committee for Unifor's energy and chemical bargaining program pattern negotiations with Suncor has reported positive developments in recent meetings with the company. 

A tentative agreement has been signed with Suncor. The deal now goes for review by the program’s advisory committee. Local unions and bargaining units participating in the program will send delegates to vote at a ratification conference on November 13, 2023.

Unifor’s statement in support of the Front Commun

On this day, November 6, the 420,000 workers represented by the Front commun in Quebec are holding their first one-day strike. In education, health and social services and higher education, across Quebec and with one voice, they will send a first warning to the government to force it to make a substantial offer to the Front commun. Unifor is aware of the crucial issues that they face and stand by our sisters and brothers at the Front. Front commun workers are fighting for fair working conditions, equitable wages and the recognition they deserve for their essential contribution.

St. Lawrence Seaway members vote in favour of new collective agreements

November 2, 2023

MONTREAL- Unifor members at the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) have ratified new collective agreements, with the maintenance, operations and clerical group voting 85% in favour, and the supervisory group voting 87% in favour. The ratification follows a strike that halted transit along the Seaway from October 22 to October 30, 2023.

Unifor hosts Annual EI/CPP Conference, joins ‘Fix EI’ Phone Zap

Unifor hosted its annual EI/CPP Conference in Port Elgin on October 26-29, bringing members together from across the country to engage in workshops and discussions aimed at learning more about the Canada Pension Plan, the Quebec Pension Plan and strengthening Unifor's campaign to improve Employment Insurance.

BC Women’s Regional Conference highlights leadership at every level

Increasingly, women are stepping forward to lead in their workplaces and local unions. Taking on the role of Women’s Advocate, as stewards and recording secretaries, and as Local President means there is better representation through every level of Unifor.

Unifor and Stellantis reach tentative agreement

TORONTO—Unifor has reached a tentative agreement with Stellantis, ending strike action at the company’s Canadian facilities.

“I am proud of our members at every Stellantis facility for their quick and decisive action during this brief and effective strike action,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “This agreement will considerably improve the living standards of every Unifor member at Stellantis.”

Unifor reaches tentative agreement with St. Lawrence Seaway

TORONTO- Unifor has reached a tentative agreement with St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) during mediated negotiations on behalf of Ontario and Quebec members engaged in strike action since October 22, 2023. 

Unifor health care workers secure agreement with Grand River Hospital

KITCHENER – Unifor has successfully negotiated monetary enhancements with Grand River Hospital (GRH) on behalf of nearly 1,400 health care members.

"This isn't just a win for Unifor members at Grand River Hospital; it's a triumph for workers everywhere," said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. "Today's victory sets a powerful precedent and proves that when we mobilize, we're unstoppable."

Unifor supports ending impunity for crimes against journalists

Knowing the truth means safeguarding the truth.

Imagine going to work every day, knowing that you may be a target of attack or that you may be killed on the job. But you’re not a soldier or a police officer. Instead, you’re armed only with pen and notepad, or perhaps a smartphone and camera.

You are on the frontlines to narrate our stories, keep the public informed, and reveal the happenings in communities and across the globe.

Humanity Project Build Day-1

 

There’s big things happening in Little River, NB as Unifor members help The Humanity Project build 20 tiny homes to shelter unhoused people and support those dealing with mental illness and addiction.

Sierra Supply Chain Logistics Inc. workers join Unifor

Unifor is proud to announce that 65 workers from Sierra Supply Chain Logistics Inc. in Hamilton, Ont. will join the union following a successful organizing campaign.

The initiative to unionize began in early October 2023, leading to an electronic vote that resulted in workers democratically deciding to join Unifor on October 19.

"The best way to improve your workplace is to organize," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "We are thrilled to welcome these dedicated warehouse workers into our union family."

Mediation for St. Lawrence Seaway strike set to begin Friday

On Oct. 21, just before midnight, St. Lawrence Seaway workers made the difficult decision to go on strike after negotiations failed to reach a satisfactory agreement.

Unifor National President Lana Payne expressed her disappointment in the failure of the employer to make serious movement in the past days, saying: “This impasse is extremely unfortunate, but our members remain committed to getting a fair agreement.”

A 72-hour strike notice had been filed on Oct. 18, and despite sustained negotiating efforts, no resolution was reached by the Oct. 21 at 11:59 p.m. deadline.