Amazon has announced a sudden wage increase across its Canadian operations, under pressure from Unifor as the first union contract for workers at its YVR2 facility in Delta, British Columbia, nears completion. The wage bump coincides closely with the pending conclusion of mediation ordered by the B.C. Labour Relations Board, after Unifor sought a first contract through binding arbitration following months of stalling and challenges by Amazon. Unifor National President Lana Payne said it is about time Amazon recognizes that if it wants to operate in Canada, it will do so while respecting the rights of the workers it employs, and that the union will keep the pressure on so workers across Canada benefit from gains made through collective bargaining. Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle said pay raises are just one part of the equation, and that a union means a voice for workers not only on pay and benefits but in fixing health and safety and the speed ups Amazon is known for worldwide. Unifor is Canada's largest private-sector union, representing 320,000 workers.
Amazon.com IncAmazon faces union pressure from Unifor and a pending first contract at its Delta facility, forcing a sudden wage increase across Canadian operations.
Walmart Inc.