KANATA, ONT. — Unifor members unanimously ratified an agreement with their employer, Best Theratronics, ending their more than nine-month long strike in Kanata, Ont.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for making sure members were finally heard and respected,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“This was a historic strike in Unifor’s books, highlighting the need for tougher labour laws that protect collective bargaining. I’m so proud of these members, and also of the many Unifor locals and community members for being there every night and day on this picket line.”

Unifor members at Local 1541 were on strike since May 1, 2024, while on May 10, members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada also went on strike at Best Theratronics. Unifor and the employer reached a tentative agreement on Feb. 22. Members voted on the new contract today, on Feb. 23.

The new four-year collective agreement brings the strike action to an end, with some members returning to work tomorrow, on Feb. 24. The contract delivers wage increases in each year of the agreement, adding up to 11% in increases.

Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi said she is proud of Best Theratronics workers who endured all seasons on the picket line and whose determination to get a fair contract and respect was unwavering.

“This job action was a unified approach with all hands-on-deck from members across the region,” said Hashi. “I want to commend members of Local 1541 for standing strong during these incredibly difficult negotiations.”

Unifor Local 1541 members manufacture medical equipment used in cancer treatments.

“In this dispute, we stood strong and showed that no amount of intimidation will break our solidarity. With the support of our union, we bargained a good collective agreement that recognizes the value of the work we do,” said Unifor Local 1541 President Steve LaBelle.

Unifor members from across the country gathered—both in person at the national office in Toronto and through virtual watch parties—for the union’s second national Black History Month event, held on February 22, 2025.

This year’s theme, Black Excellence In Action: Honouring History, Inspiring The Future, underscored the vital contributions of Black Canadians throughout history and their lasting impact on the labour movement and society at large. From organizing for fair wages to breaking down workplace and societal barriers, attendees reflected on the power of collective action in shaping a more just and equitable future for all.

With a packed program of inspiring speeches, educational presentations on inspiring Black leaders, and an African dance performance that got everyone moving, the event left participants feeling energized, empowered, and deeply connected to the ongoing fight for racial justice and equity in our workplaces and communities.

“Black history is labour history. Black workers have led some of the most important fights for justice in our movement,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“When we honour Black history, we’re not just reflecting—we’re learning and recommitting to the urgent work that must be done today to protect jobs, our economy, and our country.”

Payne highlighted the ongoing struggles for fair wages, safe workplaces, and racial justice while emphasizing that unions must remain at the forefront of this important work.

Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi reinforced the importance of ensuring that Black workers and activists have the platform and support they need to lead, organize, and create change.

“Our collective fight for justice isn’t one day, one month, or one moment—it’s an everyday commitment,” said Hashi. “Because while corporations and politicians try to divide us by race, by sector, by region, our greatest power has always come from our ability to stand united. And that unity is how we fight back.”

Hashi also spoke about the intersections of race and labour, noting that Black workers often face greater economic challenges, workplace discrimination, and barriers to leadership.

“We must build a future where Black workers are not just heard, but are at the table and leading the way.”

Members of regional Black, Indigenous, Workers of Color (BIWOC) committees from across the country shared presentations on Black leaders who have shaped Canada’s history.

From civil rights activists to trailblazers in labour and politics, these stories served as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and contributions of Black Canadians.

Dereck Berry, Unifor’s National Executive Board Black, Indigenous, Workers of Colour Representative, emceed the gathering, and spoke to the importance of honouring the legacy of Black activists whose work continue to inspire generations of union activists today.

Unifor welcomed special guest speaker Floydeen Charles-Fridal, who delivered a powerful address on the importance of community, solidarity, and collective action in the fight for racial justice. She emphasized that progress is only possible when communities support one another, lift each other up, and refuse to leave anyone behind.

Charles-Fridalis a dedicated community leader with over 30 years of experience in social and health services, advocating for communities most often marginalized.

To close the event, attendees enjoyed a high-energy Afro dance performance by Afronto, a Toronto-based collective dedicated to preserving and celebrating African dance culture. The performance was a powerful expression of joy, culture, and unity—a fitting conclusion to a night dedicated to honoring Black excellence.

Looking ahead

Unifor remains committed to advancing anti-racism, equity, and justice year-round.

As we continue organizing, mobilizing, and demanding justice, Unifor encourages all members to carry this spirit forward, amplify Black voices, and take action for justice in their workplaces, communities, and beyond.

BRAMPTON- Stellantis’ unexpected announcement today of a temporary pause in work on the next generation Jeep Compass, including activities at the Brampton Assembly Plant, is a matter of grave concern says Unifor.

 

“The company has reassured the union that vehicle production plans are still in place for Brampton, although the timing of this announcement raises very serious concerns for Unifor members both in the plant doing the retooling work and those on layoff,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

 

“The chaos and uncertainty plaguing the North American auto industry, which is under the constant threat of tariffs and a dismantling of EV regulations from the United States, are having real-time impacts on workers and corporate decisions. We have been saying this as a union from day one that the threats are also dangerous to our economy and to Canadian jobs.”

 

Under the terms of the 2023 Unifor-Stellantis collective agreement, and with support from the Federal and Ontario governments, Brampton Assembly is being retooled to build next-generation electric and gas-powered vehicles for the company’s Jeep brand. Once complete, Brampton Assembly, which employed approximately 3,000 workers, is expected to return to a full capacity, three-shift operation.

 

“Our members in the auto sector understand the ups and downs of the industry, so a timing delay isn’t out of the ordinary,” Payne said. “However, this is not an ordinary time and because of the threats and chaos, we know our members are feeling additional worry right now. And rightfully so. I want to remind everyone that Stellantis is contractually committed to this vehicle program, and we expect the company to live up to its commitments to our members and to the governments of Canada and Ontario.”

 

In 2023 contract negotiations, the union and company agreed to enhanced income supports for plant workers, with some facing a retooling layoff period of up to two-years. The temporary pause announced today calls that timing into question.

 

“We believe vehicle production will continue in Brampton, moving forward, but we think it’s overly optimistic to think our production start-date in the fourth quarter of 2025 stays on track,” said Vito Beato, President of Local 1285. “We need to be clear about these timelines, and we need to make sure that our members are protected in the event of any change that may affect their income security.”

 

The impact of a delayed start at Brampton would have spill-over effects on local parts supplier firms tied to vehicle production, including thousands of union and non-union workers.

 

Unifor represents more than 8,000 members at Stellantis facilities in Canada, including the Windsor Assembly Plant, Brampton Assembly Plant, Etobicoke Casting Plant, Red Deer Parts Distribution Centre and Mississauga Parts Distribution Centre.