Good afternoon, sisters and brothers,
I hope you’re all staying safe and warm during this snowy month—depending on where you are in the GTA, you may have had more than your fair share of being snowed in!
I’d like to start by welcoming Brian Smith-Ramirez, who will be taking over duties from Barry Lines at Bombardier Aerospace and De Havilland Aircraft, as Barry prepares to transition into retirement. This month, Brian had the opportunity to visit workplaces and meet with our in-office committees. With his experience in workplace issues, we are confident that he will be a strong asset to our local units. We look forward to working with him and continuing to support our members.
Green Shield Canada Units – If you’re wondering why our Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) has not yet been printed, it’s because we are actively addressing several grievances related to the 2024 negotiations. There have been differences in interpretation between the union and the company, and as a result, we are moving forward with multiple issues through arbitration.
• Key concerns include:
• Hours of work
• Job postings
• Off-phone requirements for idle time
• Seniority issues stemming from the company’s placement of Local 673 members in Windsor and vice versa
We are working closely with Local 240 in Windsor to resolve these matters and will keep you informed as we move forward. Thank you for your patience and support.
Bombardier Aerospace Unit – The Bombardier Committee is actively addressing issues related to the 2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). As with Green Shield, there are differences in interpretation between the company and the union regarding certain agreed-upon language. To resolve these disputes, we are moving forward with arbitration on key matters that remain unsettled from bargaining.
It was great to see so many of our members last Friday alongside Brian Smith-Ramirez and the committee. This meeting gave Brian a valuable opportunity to connect with our in-office committee, hear directly about workplace challenges, and gain insight into the unique office environment at Local 673. We appreciate your ongoing support and will keep you updated as we navigate these issues.
Toronto Cricket Club Unit – As we approach negotiations this summer and fall, we continue to closely monitor any violations of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to ensure our members’ rights are upheld. This month, we met with the company to address key issues related to representation and scheduling. Additionally, the Club has confirmed that the pay equity review will be completed by the first week of March. This has been a long-awaited process for our members, and we look forward to reviewing the findings alongside our Unifor National Pay Equity representative. We will keep you updated as we move forward. Thank you for your patience and support.
De Havilland Unit – As mentioned earlier, Brian Smith-Ramirez met with the in-office committee and is now updated on the grievances affecting this unit. One key issue that remains a priority for our members is the flexible workweek. Nuno has strongly emphasized your desire for a better work-life balance, and we recognize the importance of this concern. Brian will be reviewing the grievance in detail and meeting with us to address the issue and explore potential solutions. We appreciate your patience and will keep you informed as we work toward a resolution.
MDA Unit – As Sebastian has noted, the MDA Unit is experiencing significant growth—the most we’ve seen in over 15 years. While this expansion is promising, we continue to face challenges regarding job opportunities for our existing members. Despite the hiring surge, the company is prioritizing external hires over internal promotions, limiting opportunities for our members to advance within the organization. Sebastian is actively investigating this issue, and further review is needed to ensure fairness in career progression. We will keep you informed as we push for better opportunities for our members. Stay tuned for updates.
On a broader scale, Unifor has been actively engaged in discussions regarding tariffs across the country. These trade barriers have a significant impact on our industries, and our union is working closely with governments and employers to address these challenges.
To help members better understand the issue, our Education Department has launched a free online learning module on trade tariffs. You can access this program through the Docebo learning platform, where you can review the material and participate in the learning modules. I encourage all members to take advantage of this resource to stay informed and engaged in our fight against unfair trade practices.
This 20-minute module will answer key questions, including:
• What is a trade tariff?
• What could proposed U.S. tariffs mean for Canadian workers?
• How is Unifor responding to U.S. threats to impose tariffs on Canadian products and services?
• What can I do to support Unifor’s campaign against unjust and unwarranted U.S. tariffs?
• Where can I get up-to-date information on Unifor’s campaign?
As always, our priority remains advocating for our members and ensuring that your voices are heard. Stay engaged, stay informed, and let’s keep working together to build a stronger, more united workforce.
Maryellen McIlmoyle
Unifor Local President
