Thursday, Sep 10, 2020 7:00 pm | 1 hour 30 minutes | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
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Today marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. We believe the time to fight for immediate and bold climate action is now, but the needed economic transition will not take place without strong guarantees for worker rights and good jobs for all.
This year, we mark this date with solemn considerations for how humanity will also overcome a new threat, the COVID-19 virus. This is not how we wanted to address our current climate crisis, but it may be that we can learn lessons from this healthcare crisis that can inform our path forward.
Along with our allies at the UE union in the United States, we have issued a statement calling for urgent action for workers and the planet. You can read and share the statement here.
In solidarity,
Jerry Dias, National President
Lana Payne, National Secretary-Treasurer
Renaud Gagné, Quebec Director
In Solidarity with Nova Scotia
In the wake of this week’s horrific act of terror in Nova Scotia, our Unifor family expresses our heartfelt sympathies to the families, loved ones and friends of the victims.
Our thoughts are with all Nova Scotians left heartbroken, devastated and reeling from the targeted and random violence perpetrated this past weekend.
As each hour passes, we learn more about the victims. Health care workers on the front lines fighting COVID-19. A teacher. A retired firefighter. Public servants. Mothers. Daughters. Fathers. Sons. Grandparents. Dear friends. Volunteers. And a veteran RCMP officer, killed in the line of duty.
We grieve with all of you. We have cried with you and will do so again as we all continue to process this terrible moment. We also send our love and solidarity.
In a small province where practically everyone knows everyone, where community is something that is practiced every day, we know this horrendous violent act and the heartbreak it has rendered is felt deeply and will be for a very long time.
We hope the very characteristics that have made Nova Scotia such a vibrant and beautiful place in our country will be the foundation for healing. That sense of community and hospitality. The deep-rooted friendships and closeness. The working-class spirit. The solidarity, love and connectedness.
COVID-19 means we must find new ways to be close, to connect, to support each other especially during this darkest of times. We can and must do this, as every Nova Scotia family did on Monday night, April 20, with the lighting of candles.
Please know there are supports for anyone who needs them. Please reach out and use the resources for Unifor members at unifor.org/COVID19mentalhealth.
Remember the victims and their families. Amplify their voices, their names, their lives. We will honour them by continuing to advocate for safer workplaces at protectnsfrontline.ca, as was the request of the family of Kristen Beaton, an NSGEU sister slain this week.
As a union with 12,000 members working in nearly every sector of the Nova Scotia economy, we stand with Nova Scotians in solidarity and grief.
Rise Again, Nova Scotia. Rise Again.
In Solidarity,
Jerry Dias, National President
Lana Payne, National Secretary-Treasurer
Linda MacNeil, Atlantic Regional Director
On April 28, Unifor joins workers across Canada to commemorate those injured or killed on the job. Collectively we are solemnly reminded that more needs to be done to protect the health and safety of workers – a particularly significant message during the crisis we face during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As we pause to reflect on the tragic, traumatizing and needless loss of life due to workplace injury and occupational disease, we also respond to the deaths that could have been avoided had employers and governments adequately responded to the current crisis. Essential frontline workers, particularly those in health care, are most at risk of contracting COVID-19. Unifor continues to fight for necessary prevention plans to save lives and minimize the risk of exposure to the virus by frontline workers across Canada.
We also take the time to remember workers across the globe who went to work and did not come home, especially the frontline workers who put their lives at risk everyday to serve the public, and those who are fighting for change.
Labour activists across Canada are demanding that employers take workers’ health and safety concerns much more seriously and that all levels of government reinforce the vital right to refuse unsafe work. Now more than ever before, the voice of workers must be heard and listened to, and acted upon.
The best way to control any hazard is to systematically eliminate or remove it from the workplace, rather than relying on workers to reduce their personal exposure. The hierarchy of controls must prevail in order to protect workers in all workplaces, regardless of size or location. Since science on COVID19 is uncertain, we must follow “the precautionary principle” and err on the side of caution.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a vibrant light on prevention shortcomings. Workers are leading the movement, and calls-to-action, for safer workplaces. Today we thank them for their commitment to creating safe workplaces for all.
As we reflect on the importance of the day, the union will also pause to remember three Unifor members who lost their lives at work since last year’s Day of Mourning:
- John Iles | Local 222 Canada Cartage | December 23, 2019.
- Mohammed Hasan Bhai | Local 40 HBC Logistics | February 12, 2020
TAKE ACTION
- Share these images to your social media accounts to help spread awareness
- Print and display this poster in your workplace
- Observe a minute of silence at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 to honour those who have died
- Join our Unifor team for the virtual walk “Steps for Life” to honour loved ones who died on the job
On April 28th fight for the living, and mourn for the dead.
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Dear members,
I want to acknowledge how difficult this time is for you, your family, and so many Unifor members who are dealing with the anxiety and uncertainty of the pandemic’s effects.
I also want to personally thank everyone working in frontline essential service jobs across so many sectors who are keeping us all connected as more health restrictions are being introduced to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
This is an unprecedented time for us all and rest assured that your union is working around the clock to pressure employers and government to enact measures that will protect your health, your income and your job security.
The government of Ontario will provide a fiscal update tomorrow at 4 p.m. that will include its COVID-19 strategy.
We need your help to send a message to Ford to enact Unifor’s COVID-19 proposals immediately in advance of tomorrow’s fiscal update.
Many measures our union has called for have been implemented including protections for those workers in quarantine or in self-isolation as well as changes to Employment Insurance. All of the details can be found on Unifor’s COVID-19 website.
So far, the Government of Ontario’s COVID-19 strategy has been criticized by health authorities as slow, incremental, and potentially ineffective. Reports are mounting of exorbitant wait-times and delays with COVID-19 testing. Ford’s cuts to health care in our province are undoubtedly having an effect on our capacity to respond to the public health emergency.
The end of the month is approaching and Ontarians are facing bills, mortgages, and rents while the government still has not indicated if it will introduce emergency funds for those affected by the pandemic.
Lastly, the Ford government hasn’t adequately protected long-term care residents and Personal Support Workers by addressing the staffing shortages in this province.
Together, these issues are creating the conditions for an unimaginable public health and economic crisis in the province.
Will you send a message to Ford to enact Unifor’s COVID-19 proposals immediately?
Share a message on social media as soon as possible using the suggested text below and the shareable image here and tell Doug Ford to adequately protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
I’m calling on @FordNation to protect me and flatten the #COVIDOntario curve with real measures protect my health, income and job. That includes $1 billion in health care funding to protect long-term care workers and residents by addressing the #PSWCrisis
Click here to share this tweet.
In solidarity,
Naureen Rizvi
Ontario Regional Director
March 12, 2020 – 12:15 PM
Unifor is calling on federal and provincial governments to work together to implement immediate measures to protect workers as COVID-19 spreads around the globe, including 14 paid sick days for workers who are placed in quarantine or asked to self isolate.
“Emergency supports are needed now for all workers in workplaces affected by COVID-19, to protect their health and provide job stability and income assistance in the event of shift reductions or layoffs,” said National President Jerry Dias.
On March 5, Dias sent a letter to Filomena Tassi, Minister of Labour and Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, containing several recommendations to urge the federal committee dealing with this crisis to work proactively with the provinces to mitigate impacts on workers from the pandemic and resulting economic slowdown.
Yesterday Prime Minister Trudeau announced a $1 billion COVID-19 response package that included Unifor’s recommendations to waive the one-week waiting period for Employment Insurance and to ease federal Work-Sharing rules.
“Waiving the one week waiting period for EI is a good start but much more must be done to protect financially jeopardized workers, especially those who don’t qualify or are precariously employed in the gig economy,” said Dias.
The union will continue to advocate for the implementation of its remaining recommendations to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on workers including:
- increasing duration of EI sick leave from 15 to 26 weeks;
- providing emergency special EI payments for vulnerable workers
- reducing qualifying hours for EI to 360 (from 420 and 700 hours)
- creation of a special fund for workers who don’t qualify for EI
- providing special “income relief” for health care workers, as was done with SARS
- urging provinces to legislate paid sick days
- urging employers to waive requirements for doctor’s notes to substantiate sick leave
“With more than a hundred confirmed cases here in Canada, the public health risks and demonstrable effect on the economy are creating uncertainty and hardship for workers, especially in the health care, hospitality, education, transportation, and retail sectors, Dias said. “This is a pandemic and we expect the government to act to protect workers in hard hit and vulnerable sectors.”
Many unionized workers have job and income security provisions in their collective agreements in the event of shift reductions, or the need to take sick leave, but not all workers have those protections. Dias is asking all levels of government to prepare for sector-wide work disruptions by implementing protective health and awareness strategies for workers most vulnerable, and to take measures to mitigate financial hardship.
In addition, Unifor is taking many precautionary measures.
“We want to flatten the curve, and do our part to minimize impacts,” said National Secretary-Treasurer Lana Payne. “As a result we are undertaking a number of internal measures including cancelling or postponing meetings, limiting non-essential travel and we are monitoring our response on a daily basis.”
Payne is leading a working group on Covid-19 that will send regular updates to Unifor staff and locals.
February 1, 2020
Every February, Unifor celebrates Black History Month to honour the contributions Black Canadians have made and continue to make in our workplaces and communities.
Black History Month has been officially marked in Canada since 1995 following a motion introduced in the House of Commons by the first Black Canadian woman elected to parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine. This month continues to provide an opportunity to reflect on the unique challenges facing Black communities and individuals.
Guided by this year’s theme Celebrating Our History and Making Our Own, Unifor highlights the tireless work of Black people in the continuing fight for workers’ rights, human rights, and in seeking equality for all.
This year also marks the sixth year of the United Nation’s International Decade for People of African Descent dedicated to recognition, justice and development. These concepts are integral to the union’s work as we continue to oppose ingrained and persistent inequalities. Recognition of historical struggles and accomplishments broadens our understanding of the challenges that persist, and inspires our activism to promote respect and engage in meaningful change.
Unifor actively seeks justice for marginalized communities, both through workplace supports and through solidarity with the tremendous Black leaders from coast to coast developing and strengthening their workplaces and communities.
Resolutions against racial profiling were adopted across the country at each of Unifor’s Regional Councils and the union is coordinating broad discussions with police forces across the country to ensure discriminatory practices are eliminated on paper and in practice.
All month long, Unifor will be collecting stories featuring the work of Black members from across the country. To be featured in our Black History Month review, have your Unifor Local submit a photo and a short description of your work and accomplishments to humanrights@unifor.org.
Download the Unifor app, check unifor.org for upcoming events, and participate in Unifor Local events in your area to celebrate the ongoing work by Black Canadians.
December 4, 2019 – 12:00 AM
December 4, 2019
TORONTO – Unifor welcomes Bombardier’s announcement of a long-term lease agreement with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) to build the new Global Manufacturing Centre located at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
“The announcement of this new manufacturing facility is an important step in advancing the long term job security of our members at the Bombardier Downsview facility,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. “These are hardworking, highly skilled, and well trained workers who can look forward to a more secure future at the new location.”
The Downsview facility currently employs 2,100 Unifor members represented by locals 112 and 673 in the production, office, and technical divisions as well as numerous other direct and indirect jobs. In 2018, Bombardier announced its intention to sell the facility creating anxiety and uncertainty for workers.
“We wanted reassurance that Bombardier would continue to assemble the Global family of aircraft in the Toronto area, and todays announcement provides it” said Scott McIlmoyle, President of Unifor Local 112. “Our members have been through a lot recently. I couldn’t be happier for them.”
“I am proud of the determination and resolve our members showed throughout the past year of uncertainty,” said Maryellen McIlmoyle, President of Unifor Local 673. “This agreement brings tremendous relief to Bombardier workers and their families.”
The long-term lease agreement with the GTAA runs until 2058 and the new facility’s planned completion date is in 2023.
In addition to selling the Downsview property in 2018, Bombardier also sold its Q400 aircraft program to De Havilland Aircraft Company. The Q400 is currently assembled at Downsview.
De Havilland workers are also members of Unifor Local 112 and 673. Both locals and Unifor National will continue to work with De Havilland and all levels of government in an effort to secure the Q400 program beyond 2022.
For more information, please contact Unifor Communications Representative David Molenhuis at David.Molenhuis@unifor.org or 416-575-7453 (cell).
August 20, 2019 – 12:00 AM
TORONTO – The Ford government decision to proceed with municipal funding cuts to public health and childcare threatens the health and security of Ontario families.
“It’s shameful that Doug Ford’s only plan is to improve his government books at the expense of public health and childcare,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. “Ford is forcing municipalities across Ontario to cut vital services or raise taxes. Shirking off your responsibilities on others is not leadership.”
The cuts to municipal funding, originally slated to take effect this year, were paused following huge public outcry but have now been resurrected and scheduled for January 2020.
Ford’s plan will force all Ontario municipalities to shoulder massive increases to fund childcare spaces and to public health programs, such as vaccinations, disease prevention, and ambulance services.
“It’s clear Doug Ford doesn’t want to be responsible for the health and wellbeing of Ontarians and families can expect even more cuts to critical services if Andrew Scheer is elected.” said Dias. “It’s clear that Conservatives across Canada are taking their cues from Scheer and workers are paying the price.”
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
For more information, please contact Unifor Communications Representative Kathleen O’Keefe at kathleen.okeefe@unifor.org or 416-896-3303 (cell).
August 20, 2019 – 12:00 AM
August 20, 2019
QUEBEC CITY – Jerry Dias was acclaimed as National President of Unifor and Lana Payne was chosen as Secretary-Treasurer of Unifor at the union’s National Convention in Quebec City.
“I am energized to continue leading this great union. We still have a lot of work to do, the fight for social justice does not stop and we have a great leadership team to take us through the next three years,” said Jerry Dias, who now begins his third and final three-year term as National President.
Payne replaces Bob Orr who is retiring after 35 years of labour activism.
“I am so grateful to our members and look forward to working hard with our amazing Unifor family to make gains for workers across Canada,” said Payne, who previously served as Unifor’s Atlantic Regional Director.
Two new Regional Directors were also elected today at the union’s third constitutional convention.
Replacing Payne as Atlantic Director is Linda MacNeil, previously Atlantic Area Director.
Renaud Gagné was elected at Quebec Regional Council and was acclaimed by the membership as one of the top three officers of Unifor.
Gavin McGarrigle, B.C. Area Director, was chosen as the Western Regional Director, replacing Joie Warnock, who will become an Assistant to the National President and will lead Unifor’s efforts on Indigenous issues.
Naureen Rizvi, former Toronto Area Director and Director of Telecommunications, will continue as Ontario Regional Director.
For more information please contact Unifor Communications Representative Kathleen O’Keefe at kathleen.okeefe@unifor.org or 416-896-3303 (cell).
