In a significant labour development, over 600 Unifor union members initiated a strike at GreenShield Canada’s offices in Windsor and Toronto shortly after midnight on March 1. This action follows unsuccessful negotiations between the union and the company regarding wage increases, job security, and contracting practices.
Unifor National President Lana Payne expressed her disappointment, stating, “It is extremely disappointing that a deal could not be reached.” Similarly, Local 240 President Jodi Nesbitt highlighted ongoing concerns, remarking, “
The main concerns are job security and contracting out language. Our bargaining committee worked hard to get to an agreement, but the employer simply would not provide assurances that our members’ work would not be taken away.”
The labour dispute marks the first strike in the 65-year history of GreenShield, a period noted for significant company acquisitions and changes. Unifor Local 673 President Maryellen McIlmoyle emphasized the union’s position, saying, “GreenShield purchased a lot of entities over the years, and we just want to ensure job security isn’t being outsourced.”
The strike involves various staff members, including adjudicators, call center representatives, accounting and client administration personnel, and IT service providers. With 580 union members in Windsor and 24 in Toronto, the strike is poised to impact GreenShield’s operations significantly, especially amid reported staff shortages.
Negotiations for a new collective agreement began on January 15, following the expiry of the last contract on February 29, 2024. The union’s efforts aim to secure fair wages and job security, addressing issues such as the erosion of bargaining unit work and outsourcing.
Unifor, representing 315,000 workers across Canada’s private sector, continues to advocate for the rights and security of its members amidst these challenging negotiations.