Latest UCTE News

The Fifth National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

The Fifth National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

We are more than ten years into the Truth and Reconciliation process, yet sometimes it feels like we are just beginning. It falls to all of us, whether Indigenous or not, to learn, unlearn, and act in better ways –...

September 22, 2025

commemorative days and observances Social justice

International Day of Peace

There is a lot to give us pause on this International Day of Peace. The world seems to be tilting toward a more dangerous and militarized environment. In the orbit of the current U.S. administration[MT1] there are even signs of...

September 21, 2025

Vessel Fires: TSB survey on Preparedness and Response

Canadian Coast Guard Employers Health and safety Pilotage Authorities Ports Public safety Transportation Safety Board of Canada

Vessel Fires: TSB survey on Preparedness and Response

Transportation Safety Board has launched a survey into vessel fires. We encourage ship’s crew members, port and harbour workers, and responder members to participate. Marine vessels are also workplaces for a great many of our members, who surely have some...

September 19, 2025

commemorative days and observances Equity Human rights Labour history PSAC PSAC campaigns Social justice UCTE history

International Pay Equity Day

It’s 2025 and we are still working to end gendered pay inequity. Removing gendered divisions between workers is a core objective of labour – better equity leads to better unity, and vice versa. At the same time, it helps that...

September 18, 2025

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Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend

Sunday September 7 was the 2025 Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony, part of the annual memorial weekend organized by the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation (CFFF). Regina Local 40403 President Trevor Martel represented UCTE and paid our respects. It’s a powerful event....

September 11, 2025

commemorative days and observances Equity Human rights Social justice

Pride = Solidarity, Solidarity = Power

While June is generally viewed as Pride month, Canada’s various Pride events take place throughout the summer months. From the Festival Fierté Val d’Or, Dryden, and Okotoks Pride in early June, to Calgary and Ottawa in late August, the calendar...

September 9, 2025

Collective Bargaining commemorative days and observances Human rights Job Action Labour history Labour movement Social justice

Labour Day Check-in

Monday, September 1 is Labour Day. Each year we celebrate, commemorate, and march while looking to the fight ahead. Looking Back: Recent ups and downs So far, the Carney Government seems to be at least as willing as the Trudeau...

August 29, 2025

Long Days, Short Summers in the Strait of Canso

Canadian Coast Guard Employers

Long Days, Short Summers in the Strait of Canso

UCTE represents the workers who operate and maintain the Canso Canal. Unlike Canada’s other canals, it is operated by the Canadian Coast Guard. Environment and background It’s another of our unique worksites. When the causeway was built (previously there was...

August 27, 2025

Firefighters and Cancer – the story continues

airports Collective Agreements Employers Equity Health and safety

Firefighters and Cancer – the story continues

Cancer is still the leading cause of death for firefighters. Firefighters’ unions and some lawmakers have made progress in recent years, but there is much more that can be done to get better and more equitable access to prevention and...

August 26, 2025

Rights, just not the Same Rights as Other Workers

Collective Agreements Collective Bargaining Employers Human rights Labour history Labour movement Treasury Board

Rights, just not the Same Rights as Other Workers

Not every worker in Canada is a member of a union that allows them to be part of collective bargaining with their employer. Some workers in Canada are not even entitled even to minimum wages and other basic protections. But...

August 21, 2025