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Bell Outage due to sliced lines in Oshawa

Source: https://www.durhamregion.com/news

By Tim Kelly Oshawa This Week
2 min to read
 

South Oshawa customers of Bell who’ve been without internet services after a massive bundle of fibre and copper cables was cut during Simcoe Street Bridge construction over the weekend are frustrated at how long its taking to fix the issue.

A statement from the company released late Wednesday, May 9, won’t help the issue much. It says while the “majority of customers will begin to see services restored starting this evening (May 9),” full service won’t be back until Monday, May 13.

Bell’s statement released Wednesday reads:

Click the above link to read the full article…

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Unifor celebrates Paramedic Services Week 2024

May 9, 2024

 

Unifor proudly honours the relentless and unwavering commitment of paramedics to mark Paramedic Services Week from May 19 to May 25.

This year’s theme, “Help Us, Help You”, focuses on sharing tips on how community members can best support paramedics and other emergency services personnel in the event of an emergency. By working together, community members and first responders can help build a safe and healthy community.

Paramedics are on the front lines of medical emergencies, providing critical interventions from the moment of contact to the transfer of care at medical facilities. Their profound dedication and expertise have been particularly vital as we continue to navigate the complexities of post-pandemic health care and the challenges posed by ongoing health care reforms.

The resilience of paramedics has been tested by continuous demands for increased efficiency amid scarce resources, a challenge exacerbated by current legislative measures that threaten the integrity of the public health care system. As a union we have vehemently opposed any actions that compromise the quality of public health care or the welfare of Unifor health care members.

We stand in solidarity with EMS workers, advocating for better working conditions, fair compensation, and sufficient resources to ensure they can perform their lifesaving duties effectively.

Our union is committed to this fight, pushing for policies that prioritize the health and safety of both Unifor members and the public.

This Paramedic Services Week, let us all express gratitude for paramedics. Join us in celebrating their exceptional service and advocating for a healthcare system that truly reflects the value of the care they provide.

Download and share the Paramedic Services Week 2024 shareable here.

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Nestle workers go on strike after bitter pensions offer from employer

A large group of people standing holding up flags and on strike place cards

 

TORONTO—Workers at Nestle have decided to strike over a lack of improvements to their pension plan. Also at issue is the time it takes workers to get to the top rate of pay.

“Nestle workers in the past have gone on strike over pension contributions and again, it’s at the crux of this dispute,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Retirement security is very important to our members, and you throw an affordability crisis on top of that, and it’s no wonder our members are determined to fight here.”

There are 461 Local 252 members at the Toronto Nestle plant, which produces Kit Kat, Aero, and Coffee Crisp chocolate bars, as well as Smarties. They work as machine operators, bar packers, shippers and receivers, general labourers, and in Skilled Trades.

“As one of the biggest food and beverage manufacturers in the world, the company has a responsibility to make sure workers can have a decent income during these challenging economic times,” said Unifor Local 252 President Eamonn Clarke.

“Members were not satisfied with the lack of improvements to pensions and a two-year Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) freeze. Our union will stand with our members as they continue to fight for a fair deal that shows them the respect they deserve.”

The union doesn’t have any planned negotiation dates with the company, but will keep the membership updated.

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Forced overtime, pensions and benefits at WM leads to strike

A group of people standing waving red Unifor flags

 

STONEY CREEK—Unifor members working at Waste Management Canada Corp. (WM) began strike action on May 2, 2024. Major issues with the employer include forced overtime and lack of work-life-balance.

“Our dedicated members handle the tough job of ensuring commercial businesses have their garbage and recycling collected and removed in a safety-sensitive environment,” said Local 4268 President Debbie Montgomery.

“They should be able to go to work without being forced to work extra hours outside their shifts. The company continues to show a blatant disregard for these workers.”

The 60 Unifor members at Local 4268 work as WM drivers, mechanics, and technicians, servicing commercial businesses in Stoney Creek, Hamilton, Niagara, Brantford, and surrounding regions. They do not provide residential service.

When members have to leave at the end of their scheduled shifts to pick up children from child care or school or to care for aging parents, in some cases, the company has asked to see proof, including child custody agreements, which is a blatant invasion of privacy.

The members are also fighting for improved benefits and pensions. Currently, the company pays 50 cents on the dollar and refuses to make any improvements. In the midst of an affordability crisis, these workers deserve to not have to worry about their retirement.

“WM is a company that feels it needs to exercise the iron fist in order to get the job done at whatever cost necessary,” she said.

“And it’s our members who are paying the price – whether it’s losing time with their loved ones or being afraid they will randomly face disciplinary action. Strike action is our members saying, ‘We’re fed up. Show us some respect.’”

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Federal Budget investment in passenger rail supports Unifor’s rail service vision

May 7, 2024

 

The latest federal budget includes significant investments in VIA Rail, supporting Unifor’s Get Canada Back on Track campaign efforts to expand and sustain Canada’s national passenger rail services.

“This budget’s commitment to VIA Rail operations funding is a win for every member who has voiced the need for reliable and expansive rail services,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “It’s a clear result of Unifor’s relentless advocacy under our ‘Get Canada Back on Track’ campaign.”

The federal government’s Budget 2024 has earmarked dedicated funds for VIA Rail, promising the continuation of Canada’s current rail service and a nod to the persistent advocacy of Unifor members. A total of $462 million over the next five years is set to support operations, addressing some of the shortfalls highlighted in recent assessments.

In addition to operational funding, the budget earmarks $63 million over three years for the Remote Passenger Rail Program, which supports the continuation of services to Indigenous and remote communities.

“We are encouraged by the budget’s commitment to fund rail connections for remote and Indigenous communities, emphasizing rail travel’s role in bridging the gaps between diverse regions of our country,” said Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray. “This investment is essential for enhancing inclusive access and guaranteeing that reliable rail services provide this vital connection to Canadians.

Despite these positive strides, the budget’s structural changes to the High Frequency Rail (HFR) project, transitioning it to an agent of the Crown under Infrastructure Canada, raises critical questions about future privatization.

“The government should reconsider its plans for the privatization of operations of passenger rail along the corridor,” added Payne. “Unifor remains committed to protecting our members’ interests, securing employment, and promoting expanded investment in public passenger rail for all Canadians as these new investments roll out.”

The budget also fails to include new funding for the purchase of long-distance train sets, but does suggest preliminary discussions are underway with potential suppliers to ensure VIA Rail continues operations as its aging fleet reaches end of life. This lack of specific funding highlights the ongoing need for advocacy to secure complete funding solutions that match the scale of Canada’s rail service ambitions.

For more information please visit backontrack.unifor.org