November 4, 2024

TORONTO—Unifor’s Energy Sector Council has launched the “Keep it in the Pipe” campaign, calling for comprehensive methane reduction regulations in Canada’s oil and gas sector.

“Unchecked methane leaks pose serious risks to workers, our communities, and ultimately the climate,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “But it doesn’t have to be this way. Today energy workers are proposing solutions that bring government, industry, and labour to the table.”

The campaign outlines specific calls to action for the federal and provincial governments, including convening a meeting with industry and union stakeholders to establish best practices for managing methane leaks, funding technology to detect and reduce emissions, and closing regulatory loopholes in the gas supply chain. Unifor is also calling for regular leak inspections and repairs in distribution networks where significant leaks currently go unchecked.

“The ‘Keep it in the Pipe’ campaign is about accountability at every level,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. “Communities deserve clean air and workers deserve safe workplaces. By fighting methane leaks and getting a handle on inspections, Canada can create good-paying, unionized jobs all the while contributing to climate goals.”

Watch the press conference:

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 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.

November 8, 2024

VANCOUVER—Unifor continues its momentum organizing at Walmart after the Canada Industrial Relations Board granted interim certification for approximately 95 drivers at Walmart in Surrey, B.C.

“Walmart workers are sending a powerful message: they’re ready to stand together for better conditions, fair wages, and job security,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Forming a union is the most effective way to protect your rights at work. There is real power in a union.”

The interim certification allows the workers to form a bargaining committee and work with Unifor representatives to negotiate with Walmart towards their first collective agreement. Unifor is still awaiting the final decision on the inclusion of additional workers in Sicamous, BC.

Walmart workers’ win in Surrey builds on the historic unionization of Walmart’s Mississauga warehouse—Walmart’s first in Canada—and sets a strong example for other organizing efforts in the warehouse sector.

“We read every day about the growing influence of billionaires, but working people are fighting back,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle.

Source: Unifor National

November 6, 2024

TORONTO – The union representing Bell workers questions the decision by Bell Canada Enterprises Inc. (BCE), to acquire American company Ziply Fiber following a year of devastating cuts in Canada.

“With the announcement of this purchase, Bell sent a message to Canadian customers and employees. The market that built this company is no longer a priority. Bell has spent the past year divesting from Canadian sports, cutting Canadian telecom jobs and hollowing out Canadian newsrooms to drum up the cash for this American acquisition,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

In an internal memo to Bell workers on November 4, the company shared that, “Bell and Ziply Fiber are a great fit. We share a similar culture, vision and long-term strategy… Ziply Fiber also shares our critical commitment to putting the customer first in everything we do.”

“On the same day that the CBC shares the desperate complaints from Bell customers about underhanded fee increases, Bell claims to prioritize its customers? The company may not be, but Unifor members at Bell are committed to providing excellent services and growing with the company. We need Bell to include us in its vision for the future to do so,” said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier.

“Based on Bell’s behaviour in Canada, I have a warning for workers at Ziply; when the dust settles from this deal, watch out for Bell’s tendency to slash jobs,” said Unifor National Secretary Treasurer. Len Poirier.

In early 2024 Unifor launched the Shame on Bell campaign to call on the company to stop its contracting out and offshoring of telecom jobs, stop slashing Canadian newsrooms and reduce dividend payouts to reinvest in employee wellbeing, infrastructure, and job security.