Unifor's Urgent Mission: How Canada's Largest Union Is Fighting to Protect 320,000 Jobs from U.S. Tariffs

Unifor Launches Critical Lobby Week in Ottawa to Protect Canadian Jobs

Unifor leaders from across Canada are in Ottawa this week, meeting with more than 75 MPs from all political parties to deliver an urgent message: Protect Canadian Jobs from the threat of U.S. tariffs and economic pressures.

"In the face of U.S. tariffs, everything is on the line for workers in Canada, and we need the federal government and all political parties to match the urgency of this moment," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "We're ready to deliver a message to protect Canadian jobs, our country's industrial economy, and defend trade union rights."

Three Policy Pillars to Protect Workers and Boost Economic Resilience

Unifor is calling on the federal government to implement three key policy pillars:

1. "Buy Canadian" and "Sell Here, Build Here": Companies that sell in Canada must build in Canada. This includes applying "Buy Canadian" rules to major projects like the $3 billion VIA Rail renewal, ending preferential treatment for U.S. suppliers, and using legal tools to stop the offshoring of Canadian jobs.

2. Worker-Centered Industrial Strategies: Develop coherent, sector-specific strategies with clear targets to reinforce Canada's industrial base. These strategies must be crafted with worker input to prioritize job quality, training, bridge supply chain gaps, and protect good jobs in every sector.

3. Promote Good, Union Jobs: Ensure public dollars only go to companies that respect workers' rights. This includes union neutrality for companies receiving government funding, defending the right to strike, and implementing trade rules that protect Canadian workers from unfair competition.

"Our plan shows government how to build a more resilient economy which promotes good, union jobs," said Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier. "We must protect and grow industries in Canada and Quebec with a whole-supply-chain outlook, and the only way to do that successfully is to include workers in the process."

About Unifor's Advocacy and Impact

Unifor has consistently advocated for actions to protect jobs, build a more resilient economy, and defend Canadian sovereignty. The union represents 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy, making it Canada's largest union in the private sector. Unifor fights for equality, social justice, and progressive change for a better future.

For more details on Unifor's policy asks, visit their dedicated campaign page.