Latest news with #SamiaHashi
Cision Canada
30-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Massive public biodiesel investments face collapse without intervention
HAMILTON, ON, July 30, 2025 /CNW/ - The abrupt closure announcement by Biox Corporation is the latest example of a failure to secure Canada's domestic energy supply, says Unifor. The union is urging federal and provincial officials to make simple regulatory changes that could help re-start the facility and lay the groundwork for securing Canada's energy future. "Actively building our industrial capacity is essential to future-proofing the economy from the whims of foreign leaders," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "The provincial and federal governments must work in tandem to connect our energy industry to industrial strategies and grow good jobs here in Canada." Biox recently circulated termination notices to Unifor Local 593 members on July 24, signaling the full closure of its Hamilton refinery, which hasn't produced biodiesel for more than a year. The facility was created in 2007 with significant federal grants, public research funds, university commercialization infrastructure, and private investment. Unifor blames the closure on government long-term planning failures and foreign subsidies on biodiesel. Ontario currently exports feedstock to American refineries and then imports it as biodiesel, which is heavily subsidized by the U.S. and other governments. A glut of imported biodiesel has hurt Ontario producers. To revive the Canadian biodiesel industry and salvage infrastructure, Unifor recommends that Ontario mimic British Columbia's model, which requires biodiesel to contain a minimum amount of domestically produced content. "Ontario's biodiesel crisis is just the latest example of an energy sector lacking vision to serve Canadian consumers and industries," said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. "Stronger domestic energy supply chains must be at the centre of any 'Elbows Up' strategy." A summary of Unifor's recommendations can be found online. 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.
Hamilton Spectator
15-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
CN Tower workers ratify new contract with employer, ending two-week lockout
TORONTO - The union representing hospitality workers at Toronto's CN Tower says members have voted to ratify a tentative agreement with the employer, ending a two-week lockout. Unifor Local 4271 members voted in favour of the new agreement with Canada Lands Company, the federal Crown corporation that owns and operates the iconic tourist attraction. The union represents more than 250 food and beverage workers at the CN Tower, including hosts, wait staff, bartenders, chefs, cooks, butchers and other hospitality employees. The workers were locked out just before Canada Day. The CN Tower says it's 'pleased' to have an agreement on the new contract, which means its food establishments will reopen on Tuesday. The union says the new three-year collective agreement includes significant wage improvements. It says workers who don't earn gratuities will receive annual increases of 4.25 per cent, while gratuity earners will see raises of four per cent in the first year, followed by 2.5 per cent in each of the next two years. The new agreement also includes improvements to health and dental benefits, gratuity policy and annual retirement allowances, the union said. 'This contract focuses on our members' priorities, including fair pay and better working conditions in one of Canada's top tourist destinations,' Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi said in a statement. Unifor is Canada's largest private-sector union, representing 320,000 workers across the country. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 14, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
14-07-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
CN Tower workers ratify new contract with employer, ending two-week lockout
TORONTO – The union representing hospitality workers at Toronto's CN Tower says members have voted to ratify a tentative agreement with the employer, ending a two-week lockout. Unifor Local 4271 members voted in favour of the new agreement with Canada Lands Company, the federal Crown corporation that owns and operates the iconic tourist attraction. The union represents more than 250 food and beverage workers at the CN Tower, including hosts, wait staff, bartenders, chefs, cooks, butchers and other hospitality employees. The workers were locked out just before Canada Day. The CN Tower says it's 'pleased' to have an agreement on the new contract, which means its food establishments will reopen on Tuesday. The union says the new three-year collective agreement includes significant wage improvements. It says workers who don't earn gratuities will receive annual increases of 4.25 per cent, while gratuity earners will see raises of four per cent in the first year, followed by 2.5 per cent in each of the next two years. The new agreement also includes improvements to health and dental benefits, gratuity policy and annual retirement allowances, the union said. 'This contract focuses on our members' priorities, including fair pay and better working conditions in one of Canada's top tourist destinations,' Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi said in a statement. Unifor is Canada's largest private-sector union, representing 320,000 workers across the country. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 14, 2025.
Cision Canada
08-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Unifor members at Toromont on strike as they fight for first contract
BRADFORD, ON, July 8, 2025 /CNW/ - Workers at Toromont Industries in Bradford, Ont. went on strike this morning after the employer failed to adequately address wages and benefits during negotiations for a first collective agreement. "A first collective agreement sets the key foundational work standards for a workplace," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "We stand with our members as they fight for a fair collective agreement." The 120 workers voted in late May to join Unifor. In 2022, the company invested $70 million into the new 137,000 sq. ft. Toromont Cat remanufacturing facility in Bradford West Gwillimbury, which remanufactures Caterpillar heavy equipment. The job positions are mostly Skilled Trades or Semi-Skilled and range from component cleaner to component re-builder. "In this trade war, we need to ensure we are investing in Canadian workers and that starts with strong wages and working conditions," said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. 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.
CTV News
01-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Unifor members on the picket line at Best Western Plus in Windsor on Sunday
The exterior of Best Western Plus in Windsor, Monday, March 30, 2020. (Ricardo Veneza / CTV Windsor) Best Western Plus employees in Windsor are on the picket line today in a push for fair wages. 'Unifor members at Best Western Plus deserve wages that reflect the value they bring to the hospitality sector and respect for the hard work they do every day,' said Unifor National President Lana Payne. 'Instead of seeking to improve working conditions, the employer has demanded concessions. Our members won't stand for it.' Unifor represents roughly 40 people in various services at the hotel. Employees walked off the job at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday. Unifor has called on the employer to return to the bargaining table with a serious offer that increases wages and withdraws concessions. 'Hotel workers should not be asked to accept less while the hospitality industry continues to recover and grow,' said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. 'This strike is about protecting decent work and dignity for every worker who makes this hotel run.'
