Latest news with #LanaPayne
Cision Canada
2 hours ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Unifor calls for immediate Canadian countermeasures and investment protections as U.S. doubles steel and aluminum tariffs
TORONTO, June 4, 2025 /CNW/ - The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports to 50% is a direct threat to Canadian jobs and economic stability. Unifor is urging the federal government to act without delay to defend Canada's manufacturing sector and counter the escalating trade assault. "These tariffs are killing investment in our steel, aluminum, and auto sectors, and we are already seeing the consequences in lost jobs and economic instability," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "We need immediate and forceful action to defend good jobs and safeguard our national economic security." The 50% tariff, which came into effect today, doubles the previous 25% duty imposed on Canadian steel and aluminum imports since March 2025. Canada remains the largest supplier of both steel and aluminum to the United States. The U.S. imports approximately a quarter of its steel from Canadian suppliers, while half of all U.S. aluminum consumption originates from Canada. "These tariffs are a direct blow to aluminum workers in Quebec and across Canada," said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier. "They threaten good union jobs and destabilize an industry that plays a critical role in the North American economy. By doubling tariffs on both aluminum and steel, the U.S. is undermining the reliable, high-quality supply it depends on from Canadian workers." These measures are part of Trump's ongoing misuse of Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act, using national security justifications to impose punitive trade barriers. The increased metal tariffs follow the April 2 introduction of a 25% U.S. tariff on all vehicles manufactured outside the United States, including those made in Canada—despite a deeply integrated automotive supply chain and the near-balanced trade relationship between the two countries. This move directly violates both the spirit and letter of the CUSMA agreement and its automotive side letters. An additional 25% tariff remains in place based on unsubstantiated border and fentanyl claims. The cumulative effect is wreaking havoc on integrated supply chains, discouraging investment, and threatening jobs in Canada's steel, aluminum, automotive industries and other manufacturing industries. Soaring metal costs will drive up the price of cars, airplanes, and critical infrastructure, while putting thousands of jobs at risk and dealing a serious blow to manufacturing competitiveness on both sides of the border. Unifor is calling on the federal government to respond with urgency by: Enacting immediate retaliatory tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum to match the 50% rate; Implementing new border measures to prevent unfairly traded or dumped foreign steel and aluminum from entering Canada; Temporarily halting exports of strategic metals to the U.S. and building a national stockpile reserve; Strengthening the Foreign Extraterritorial Measures Act (FEMA) to block companies from relocating Canadian jobs in response to U.S. pressure. "President Trump fails to understand the chaos and damage these tariffs will inflict on workers and consumers in both Canada and the U.S.," added Payne. "This is about economic sovereignty. Canada must respond with strength and urgency." Unifor warns that further threats by Trump to target aerospace, softwood lumber, energy, pharmaceuticals, microchips, copper, and Canada's film and entertainment sectors demonstrate the need for a broad-based industrial and trade defense strategy. "This is a defining moment," said Payne. "If we don't defend our industries now, we risk losing them for good." 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.
Cision Canada
19 hours ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Closure of CHAT-TV a loss for local journalism and Canadian media workers
MEDICINE HAT, AB, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ - The sudden closure of CHAT-TV in Medicine Hat, Alberta has resulted in the layoff of 16 Unifor media workers and the end of nearly seven decades of trusted local news programming. "The shuttering of CHAT-TV is not just the end of a station—it's the loss of a legacy in Canadian news," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "At a time when disinformation spreads faster than facts and our sovereignty is challenged by foreign media dominance, we must act now. Canadian journalism is worth saving. We need immediate investment in local newsrooms—not more cuts." The decision by Pattison Media to shutter operations, effective immediately, is the latest blow to Canadian journalism and underscores a crisis that continues to deepen in communities across the country. "This is about more than job loss—it's about the disappearance of our local voice and the stories that bind our communities," said Unifor Local 1010 President Andrew Parry. "For generations, CHAT-TV told the stories of Medicine Hat. The closure leaves a dangerous void and risks turning our city into another news desert where critical local coverage is simply no longer available." The shutdown comes after efforts by Pattison Media to streamline operations and cut costs. The company cited insurmountable financial pressures and the erosion of advertising revenue for local TV as key factors in the decision. CHAT-TV has served Medicine Hat for 68 years, offering local news, weather, and sports, and providing a platform for community connection. The loss of this station is not just a blow to the workers who have dedicated their careers to public service journalism—it is a significant step backward for democratic accountability and media diversity in Canada. Unifor continues to advocate for structural reforms to ensure the survival of Canadian journalism. The union has called on the federal government to implement and enforce stronger provisions in the Online Streaming Act that would require foreign streamers operating in Canada to contribute to local news production, just as domestic broadcasters must. Increased sustainable funding for dedicated news funds remain essential to secure the future of local journalism. "The closure of CHAT-TV is heartbreaking, but it's not an isolated case. This is happening in community after community," added Payne. "If we continue to lose local news, we lose a cornerstone of democracy." Unifor represents more than 10,000 media workers across Canada, including journalists and broadcast technicians who work daily to inform, educate, and empower their communities. 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.
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Closure of CHAT-TV a loss for local journalism and Canadian media workers
MEDICINE HAT, AB, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ - The sudden closure of CHAT-TV in Medicine Hat, Alberta has resulted in the layoff of 16 Unifor media workers and the end of nearly seven decades of trusted local news programming. "The shuttering of CHAT-TV is not just the end of a station—it's the loss of a legacy in Canadian news," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "At a time when disinformation spreads faster than facts and our sovereignty is challenged by foreign media dominance, we must act now. Canadian journalism is worth saving. We need immediate investment in local newsrooms—not more cuts." The decision by Pattison Media to shutter operations, effective immediately, is the latest blow to Canadian journalism and underscores a crisis that continues to deepen in communities across the country. "This is about more than job loss—it's about the disappearance of our local voice and the stories that bind our communities," said Unifor Local 1010 President Andrew Parry. "For generations, CHAT-TV told the stories of Medicine Hat. The closure leaves a dangerous void and risks turning our city into another news desert where critical local coverage is simply no longer available." The shutdown comes after efforts by Pattison Media to streamline operations and cut costs. The company cited insurmountable financial pressures and the erosion of advertising revenue for local TV as key factors in the decision. CHAT-TV has served Medicine Hat for 68 years, offering local news, weather, and sports, and providing a platform for community connection. The loss of this station is not just a blow to the workers who have dedicated their careers to public service journalism—it is a significant step backward for democratic accountability and media diversity in Canada. Unifor continues to advocate for structural reforms to ensure the survival of Canadian journalism. The union has called on the federal government to implement and enforce stronger provisions in the Online Streaming Act that would require foreign streamers operating in Canada to contribute to local news production, just as domestic broadcasters must. Increased sustainable funding for dedicated news funds remain essential to secure the future of local journalism. "The closure of CHAT-TV is heartbreaking, but it's not an isolated case. This is happening in community after community," added Payne. "If we continue to lose local news, we lose a cornerstone of democracy." Unifor represents more than 10,000 media workers across Canada, including journalists and broadcast technicians who work daily to inform, educate, and empower their communities. 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. SOURCE Unifor View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Talks break off between Unifor and VIA Rail
MONTREAL, June 2, 2025 /CNW/ - Contract talks between Unifor and VIA Rail have broken off, setting the stage for a national rail dispute that threatens to disrupt passenger travel across the country later this month. "We didn't come to the table looking for a dispute—we came to get a deal," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "But VIA Rail's refusal to take our demands seriously has left us with no other choice. If they're not willing to fix what's broken, they're forcing this dispute onto workers and passengers alike." After another week of bargaining in Montreal, no tentative agreement was reached between VIA Rail and Unifor's Council 4000 and Local 100 bargaining committees. The union says the employer refused to back down from key concessions. "These negotiations were about fairness, respect, and stability for our members," said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier. "We came ready to make a deal that addressed the real issues workers face every day. It's disappointing that the employer walked away from that opportunity." One of the most serious issues is VIA Rail's refusal to fix the crisis on the On-Board Services spare boards. Workers are facing chronic short hours and reduced pay due to the employer's mismanagement of the board system. Many are unable to earn a living wage and are falling behind on basic financial obligations. The federal conciliation period ended May 31. Under Canadian labour law, Unifor will be in a legal strike position as of 00:01 a.m. EST on June 22, 2025. Both parties return to the table on June 17 and bargaining will continue right up to the deadline. The union is prepared to find solutions—but if VIA Rail fails to deliver a fair deal, the union is ready for a national labour dispute. Council 4000 represents 1,800 VIA Rail employees who work in station services, headquarters, maintenance centres, and onboard trains. Local 100 represents 700 VIA Rail employees working as Diesel Engine Mechanics, Electricians, Railcar Technicians, and General Workers. 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. SOURCE Unifor View original content: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Talks break off between Unifor and VIA Rail
MONTREAL, June 2, 2025 /CNW/ - Contract talks between Unifor and VIA Rail have broken off, setting the stage for a national rail dispute that threatens to disrupt passenger travel across the country later this month. "We didn't come to the table looking for a dispute—we came to get a deal," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "But VIA Rail's refusal to take our demands seriously has left us with no other choice. If they're not willing to fix what's broken, they're forcing this dispute onto workers and passengers alike." After another week of bargaining in Montreal, no tentative agreement was reached between VIA Rail and Unifor's Council 4000 and Local 100 bargaining committees. The union says the employer refused to back down from key concessions. "These negotiations were about fairness, respect, and stability for our members," said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier. "We came ready to make a deal that addressed the real issues workers face every day. It's disappointing that the employer walked away from that opportunity." One of the most serious issues is VIA Rail's refusal to fix the crisis on the On-Board Services spare boards. Workers are facing chronic short hours and reduced pay due to the employer's mismanagement of the board system. Many are unable to earn a living wage and are falling behind on basic financial obligations. The federal conciliation period ended May 31. Under Canadian labour law, Unifor will be in a legal strike position as of 00:01 a.m. EST on June 22, 2025. Both parties return to the table on June 17 and bargaining will continue right up to the deadline. The union is prepared to find solutions—but if VIA Rail fails to deliver a fair deal, the union is ready for a national labour dispute. Council 4000 represents 1,800 VIA Rail employees who work in station services, headquarters, maintenance centres, and onboard trains. Local 100 represents 700 VIA Rail employees working as Diesel Engine Mechanics, Electricians, Railcar Technicians, and General Workers. 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.
