November 19, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Hi everyone,
There have been a number of claims circulating about bargaining and what would happen if CAWU replaced Unifor. Before anyone makes any decisions about their future, workers deserve accurate information and a complete picture of what’s going on in the workplace.
Here are the facts:
UNIFOR HAS ALREADY ACTIVATED THE LEGAL BARGAINING PROCESS
Unifor has filed notice to bargain, submitted a Notice of Dispute under the Canada Labour Code, and a federal Conciliation Officer has been appointed. This means:
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Bargaining is formally underway
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Legal timelines are active
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The employer can no longer delay indefinitely
If CAWU replaces Unifor during bargaining, this entire process stops and must restart from the beginning. Nothing transfers to CAWU.
CONCILIATION EXISTS TO APPLY LEGAL PRESSURE
Unifor pursued conciliation because the employer stalled discussions, delayed meeting dates, and failed to move forward in a reasonable timeline. Conciliation creates structure, accountability, and eventually the legal right to job action (only if necessary).
Without the process of conciliation, bargaining would still be stalled.
UNIFOR’S MAINTENANCE OF ACTIVITIES APPLICATION
Unifor has filed a Maintenance of Activities application with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB). This is one of the strongest legal tools available to federally regulated workers because it:
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Protects the legal right to strike if needed
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Stops employers from declaring most or all work as "essential"
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Ensures the CIRB—not the employer—decides strike rights
When Unifor filed the Maintenance of Activities, the employer argued that 100 percent of screening work is essential and that screening officers should never be allowed to strike.
Unifor strongly disagrees and has taken the position that screening officers are entitled to full strike rights, like other federally regulated workers.
If Unifor is replaced as your union, this application disappears and must be restarted from scratch. That outcome benefits the employer.
What a Maintenance of Activities Means
and Why It Matters
CAWU’S BARGAINING TRACK RECORD
At Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), CAWU moved directly to interest arbitration instead of building bargaining power, even after their own members rejected tentative agreements and voted to strike. Arbitration hands decision-making power to an outside party, not to workers.
Workers deserve leverage, not shortcuts that remove member control.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Momentum exists now because Unifor forced the employer to the table, triggered legal timelines, and protected your bargaining strength through legal strategy.
Replacing Unifor now would erase that progress, restart timelines, and place control over to the employer.
Workers deserve accountability, transparency, and bargaining power, not resets, delays, and uncertainty.
QUICK FAQ
WHAT IS CONCILIATION
A legally required stage where a federal mediator works with both parties (i.e. the union and employer) to help reach an agreement. It triggers timelines and prevents the employer from delaying bargaining indefinitely.
WHAT IS A MAINTENANCE OF ACTIVITIES AGREEMENT
A legal process that determines what work must continue during a strike or lockout to protect public safety, while preserving workers’ legal right to strike.
Note: A workplace strike can only occur after the membership is consulted and a strike vote is held. If the membership votes in favour of strike action, a workplace strike will ONLY take place if negotiations fail and no other options are available.
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.
Reconfirm Your Support for Unifor
To stay with a union that is strong, fair, and honest, sign your confidential Unifor membership card today.
Unifor Leadership Team
Billy O'Neill - Unifor National Organizing Department
[email protected]
Lucy Alessio - Unifor National Organizing Department
[email protected]
Joanne Goulet – Unifor National Service Representative
Tammy Moore – President, Unifor Local 2002
Harold Bateman – Assistant to the Unifor Local 2002 President
25-11-19 PASS Membership Update - facts on bargaining.txt