Key Takeaways
- Job security is the top concern for many workers in Canada’s auto, forestry, and metals industries due to U.S. tariffs
- Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union, represents approximately 320,000 unionized workers in Canada
- Strikes can be an effective way to make progress for working people, despite some companies’ disapproval
- Government policy, such as Canada’s Bill C-58, can help strengthen collective bargaining and protect workers’ rights
- Employers should not use temporary worker programs to suppress wages, and instead focus on addressing true labor shortages
Introduction to Unifor and the Current State of Labor
Lana Payne, national president of Unifor, recently joined BNN Bloomberg to discuss the year’s recap for the union and the outlook for 2026. As the president of Canada’s largest private-sector union, Payne represents approximately 320,000 unionized workers in Canada. According to Payne, job security remains the top concern for many workers in Canada’s auto, forestry, and metals industries. This concern is a direct result of U.S. tariffs, which have had a devastating impact on these sectors. The industries targeted by tariffs play a key role in lifting wages in the country, and Payne emphasized that these sectors often lead the way in setting wage standards.
The Role of Strikes in Labor Disputes
Payne was asked if strikes are an effective way to make progress for working people, especially during a trade war. She responded that trade war or not, withdrawing labor is one of the ways to make progress for working people. However, some companies have voiced their disapproval of strikes, citing the potential disruption to production and trade. For example, Nutrien, a fertilizer company, has been critical of Unifor’s strikes in the past, claiming that they have led to reduced production in their Cory potash mines. Payne argued that larger threats to trade infrastructure, such as aging systems and climate-related disruptions, are more significant than labor action.
Government Policy and Collective Bargaining
Payne pointed to government policy as a key factor in strengthening collective bargaining and protecting workers’ rights. Canada’s Bill C-58, which bans employers in federally regulated sectors from bringing in replacement workers during labor strikes and lockouts, is a notable example. The law was tested during a lockout dispute with U.S.-based shipping company DHL, which employs nearly 3,000 Canadian workers. According to Payne, the law proved to be a success, with a settlement reached within a matter of hours. This example demonstrates the importance of government policy in supporting collective bargaining and protecting workers’ rights.
Temporary Workers and Wage Pressure
Payne also warned employers against using the government’s temporary worker program to suppress wages. She emphasized that the focus should be on addressing true labor shortages, rather than using temporary workers to drive down wages. Payne argued that employers often claim that they need temporary workers to address labor shortages, but in reality, they are using the program to suppress wages. She emphasized that the government and employers should be careful not to confuse labor shortages with wage shortages, and instead focus on what is needed for the economy.
Conclusion and Outlook
In conclusion, the labor landscape in Canada is complex and influenced by a range of factors, including U.S. tariffs, government policy, and employer actions. As the president of Unifor, Payne is committed to protecting the rights of working people and promoting fair wages and job security. While strikes can be an effective way to make progress for working people, they should be used judiciously and in conjunction with other strategies, such as collective bargaining and government advocacy. As the union looks to the future, Payne emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of labor disputes and promoting a fair and equitable economy for all workers. With the right policies and strategies in place, Unifor is well-positioned to continue fighting for the rights of working people in Canada.