Latest news with #Unifor
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Unifor says Canada-U.S. softwood trade war must be resolved for the long term
TORONTO, July 28, 2025 /CNW/ - Unifor is calling on the federal government to negotiate a long-term agreement for softwood lumber exports to the United States that will avoid the rollercoaster of duties and threatened tariffs currently causing chaos in a sector that relies on long-term planning. "Tariffs are already causing damage to workers, communities and the industry. Forestry is a multi-generational industry that requires long-term planning, stability, and investment," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "We need an urgent negotiated settlement with the United States that is fair and reasonable so that Canadian softwood producers and forestry workers can get back to producing the lumber and wood products that are needed." The U.S. Department of Commerce's final decision on July 25 to raise anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber exporters, including from 7.66% to 20.56% for most companies, will be in addition to a final decision expected on August 8 on countervailing duties. "U.S. softwood producers can only cover about 70% of demand in that country, and Canadian softwood makes up around 25% of the remaining supply—they need our lumber," said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier. "Along with punishing Canadian softwood producers and forestry workers, these unfair and unjust duties are making housing more expensive for American homeowners." Unifor has been actively calling for a large-scale Team Canada approach to support the forestry sector across Canada and in each of its regions, including through a recent letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney. In March 2025, the White House announced a Section 232 investigation to determine the effects on national security of imports of timber, lumber and their derivative products. Depending on the findings of that investigation, Canada could see tariffs on these products starting in November. These potential tariffs would be on top of the already unacceptable softwood duties. Read Unifor's recommendation to support forestry with an affordable home strategy here. The union has committed to defending and protecting forestry jobs through whatever means necessary. In a statement from the Unifor Forestry Council, the union vowed to "continue working with federal, provincial and municipal governments to develop economic protection and financial assistance plans, trade diversification strategies, mitigate job losses and enhance income security provisions for all workers." For more information on the union's work to Fight for Forestry Jobs, visit Unifor represents 24,000 forestry workers across 10 provinces who work in sawmills, pulp and paper plants and in wood products manufacturing. The industry remains an integral economic driver, particularly in rural areas across Canada. 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
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Unifor encouraged by Kruger Inc. investment in Corner Brook, N.L.
CORNER BROOK, NL, July 25, 2025 /CNW/ - Unifor is encouraged by Kruger Inc.'s announcement that it plans to invest up to $700 million in its Corner Brook, N.L. mill to modernize the facility. "Unifor has long been pushing for forestry corporations to invest in facilities to adapt to changing markets, modernize older operations and increase our capacity to deliver more made-in-Canada pulp and paper products," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "We welcome the needed Kruger Inc. investment in Corner Brook and support improvements that protect good forestry jobs and that maintain and improve working conditions for Unifor members." Unifor has been lobbying for a strategic approach to leveraging Canada's forestry resources through the federal government's plan to build more housing "This is good news for members of the six Unifor locals at the Kruger mill in Corner Brook," said Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murrray. "We need to know more about the company's plans, but we are optimistic that these investments could support the future of the mill, protecting jobs for the next generation of workers." The recent duty increases and tariff threats from the United States have created a polycrisis in Canada's forestry sector, requiring all levels of government to develop economic protection and financial assistance plans, trade diversification strategies, mitigate job losses and enhance income security provisions for all workers. Learn more about Unifor's Fight for Forestry Jobs Campaign at Unifor represents nearly 250 workers at Kruger Inc. in Corner Brook at Locals 64, 242, 96, 57N , 60N and Deer Lake Power Local 495. 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:
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Unifor encouraged by Kruger Inc. investment in Corner Brook, N.L.
CORNER BROOK, NL, July 25, 2025 /CNW/ - Unifor is encouraged by Kruger Inc.'s announcement that it plans to invest up to $700 million in its Corner Brook, N.L. mill to modernize the facility. "Unifor has long been pushing for forestry corporations to invest in facilities to adapt to changing markets, modernize older operations and increase our capacity to deliver more made-in-Canada pulp and paper products," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "We welcome the needed Kruger Inc. investment in Corner Brook and support improvements that protect good forestry jobs and that maintain and improve working conditions for Unifor members." Unifor has been lobbying for a strategic approach to leveraging Canada's forestry resources through the federal government's plan to build more housing "This is good news for members of the six Unifor locals at the Kruger mill in Corner Brook," said Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murrray. "We need to know more about the company's plans, but we are optimistic that these investments could support the future of the mill, protecting jobs for the next generation of workers." The recent duty increases and tariff threats from the United States have created a polycrisis in Canada's forestry sector, requiring all levels of government to develop economic protection and financial assistance plans, trade diversification strategies, mitigate job losses and enhance income security provisions for all workers. Learn more about Unifor's Fight for Forestry Jobs Campaign at Unifor represents nearly 250 workers at Kruger Inc. in Corner Brook at Locals 64, 242, 96, 57N , 60N and Deer Lake Power Local 495. 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.
The Star
22-07-2025
- General
- The Star
Decades of faith and hard work transform Sibu's Hindu temple.
A ONCE modest house of worship has now blossomed into a grand cultural and spiritual landmark for the Hindu community in Sibu. The newly completed Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, built at a cost of RM2mil, stands not just as a place of prayer but as a powerful symbol of unity, heritage and hope for generations to come. The temple's origins date back to 1920, when it began as a humble hut. In 1971, it moved into a double-storey building donated by the late Soma Sundram. That house and its surrounding land were generously gifted for religious use – a gesture that laid the foundation for the temple's enduring legacy. Manogaran (fifth from left) leading a mini-procession around the temple. Today, after more than a decade of tireless work, community support and government funding, the temple has undergone a complete transformation. Temple president Manogaran Krishnasamy, who took over its management in 2012, described the journey as both challenging and deeply rewarding. 'This temple is built on new ground, literally and spiritually. It is the first Hindu temple in Sibu constructed under the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the Indian community,' said Manogaran, a retired police sergeant. 'It follows traditional Hindu customs, from the statues to the prayers – it mirrors what you would see in Peninsular Malaysia or even India.' The transformation didn't happen overnight. A large crowd of devotees at the consecration of the temple. 'It took years of fundraising, administrative work and sheer determination. Between 2018 and 2024, major construction and decorative work was completed with support from the Sarawak government and the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), which contributed nearly RM400,000. Further help came from local philanthropists and timber businessmen who donated wooden materials valued at over RM120,000. 'Without the support of our elected representatives and the local Chinese and Iban communities, this temple would not exist in its current form,' Manogaran said. 'I am especially grateful to Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg and Nangka assemblyman Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee for their belief in our vision.' The temple consecration ceremony is steeped in tradition. Initially, 10 skilled workers from India were involved in the project but as it neared completion, only four remained. 'Each worker earns a salary ranging from RM3,000 to RM4,000. 'Yes, they are skilled workers, which is why they all have certificates,' Manogaran explained. He said 16 stone sculptures were brought in from India at a cost of nearly RM22,000 for transport, while 63 statues were built on site by the specialist workers. The temple was consecrated on July 7 in a ceremony that featured 48 days of prayers and the participation of over 30 priests from India and Peninsular Malaysia. Looking ahead, the temple committee has set its sights on an even more ambitious goal: to hold Sibu's first-ever Thaipusam celebration next year. 'In Penang, Thaipusam draws people from all over the world. It's more than a religious event – it becomes a multicultural gathering,' said Manogaran. Musical instruments formed an integral part of the consecration ceremony. 'We hope to replicate that spirit here in Sibu. Our vision is to make it a memorable and inclusive festival that also draws tourists.' Plans are already under way for a local religious procession, with hopes that it could evolve into an annual cultural highlight for Sibu. While traditional chariots pulled by bulls – as seen in Peninsular Malaysia – are impractical in Sibu, the committee is exploring creative alternatives such as airport trolleys to symbolically carry the deity during the parade. In addition to Thaipusam, the temple plans to celebrate other major Hindu festivals like Navaratri, ensuring year-round spiritual activity. The temple is open daily from 7am to 10am and 6pm to 10pm, with a full-time priest from Peninsular Malaysia stationed there to conduct daily rituals. A boy being lifted up by his parents to witness the divine blessings of Goddess Mariamman at the temple. In time, there are plans to open the temple to members of the public with fixed visiting hours. Beyond its religious role, the temple also aspires to serve the wider community. Manogaran hopes to raise funds for a temple van, which could be used to transport devotees or assist in charitable work such as ferrying the sick to hospitals. Still, challenges remain as further work is needed to improve the temple's uneven grounds – but Manogaran remains optimistic. 'Many people have served this community for decades but couldn't achieve this. I've been here just seven or eight years and one day decided: it's time we had a proper temple. With faith and unity, everything is possible.' The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple today is not only a place of worship, it is a living monument to interfaith cooperation, community resilience and cultural preservation. As it prepares to host its first Thaipusam festival next year, Sibu's Hindu community, numbering between 300 and 400 people, has every reason to be proud.
CTV News
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
‘This is definitely concerning': Stellantis reports Trump tariff hit as Canadian plant sits empty
Auto giant Stellantis says its estimates show a US$2.68 billion net loss in the first half of the year due to U.S. tariffs and some hefty charges. Auto giant Stellantis says its estimates show a US$2.68 billion net loss in the first half of the year due to U.S. tariffs and some hefty charges. Stellantis is having a rough year, and Canadian auto workers remain anxious about what lies ahead. The maker of Jeep, Ram and Fiat announced Monday it's staring down a massive $3.7 billion loss for the first half of 2025, with U.S. President Donald Trump's auto tariffs delivering a $480 million blow that has forced the company to slash production and shipments. For 3,000 workers at Stellantis' idled Brampton assembly plant, the news is worrying. 'This is definitely concerning for our members, with this news today that the company's lost a lot of money in this quarter,' said Vito Beato, president of Unifor Local 1285. The Brampton facility hasn't been producing cars since late 2023, when a $1.3 billion retooling of the plant began to build the next-generation Jeep Compass. But in February, citing the 'dynamic environment' in the auto sector, Stellantis suddenly hit pause on the retool. Workers were supposed to return by year's end. That now seems unlikely. 'It's looking like they're going to be off well into 2026, if not longer,' said David Kennedy with Automotive News Canada. 'You can understand why the company has kind of pressed pause on it, because they just don't know what's going to happen.' Trump's tariffs are making it more expensive for Stellantis to build vehicles in Canada and ship them to the U.S. Beato started at the Brampton plant in 1992 and says its future being left in limbo is taking a toll on his union members. 'Emotionally, it's very hard, because there's a lot of uncertainty, because the company still hasn't made a decision,' he said. Stellantis had said the retooling pause does not change its investment plans for the plant, but it has not said when work to continue retooling the plant will resume. The tariff impact could get worse. Stellantis Chief Financial Officer Doug Ostermann warned the full-year hit could reach as much as $2.4 billion as the effects compound in the second half of 2025. Some also warn that it could lead to higher prices. When automakers get squeezed by tariffs, they can pass those costs to consumers through price hikes and fewer incentives. Stellantis was already struggling with slumping sales. There's been a massive 25 per cent drop in shipments for North America and the company brought in a new CEO just months ago after the previous one resigned under pressure. The threat of tariffs and the dismantling of electric vehicle (EV) regulations in America have created chaos for the auto sector. Kennedy says Stellantis may be waiting a better sense of how the tariff situation is going to play out before making any further announcements at the Brampton plant. 'I can't imagine something will happen before Aug. 1, and if the uncertainty on tariffs continues, I think we should anticipate not knowing what's going to happen in Brampton for the next few months,' says Kennedy. Stellantis' Windsor Assembly Plant was shut down two weeks earlier this year as the company assessed the impact of tariffs. 'A world with tariffs is unacceptable for us,' Beato said. 'A world with tariffs puts our plant in a vulnerable position, even more so than it is now, and not only for our plant, but all of southern Ontario and the whole auto industry.'
