Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, continues its expansion in the retail sector with the successful unionization of 125 workers at The Nuance Group (Canada) Inc., located within Toronto Pearson International Airport. Nuance operates several duty free retail concessions at the airport.
“These workers are employed in a bustling airport in one of Canada’s busiest travel hubs, and like all workers, their goal is decent work and fairness,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne, welcoming the new members.
The newly unionized employees work across a variety of roles, including beauty advisors, sales staff, delivery personnel, warehouse workers, and MAC make-up artists. These workers serve travellers in Pearson’s extensive retail network, which includes duty-free stores and luxury outlets selling cosmetics, perfumes, and other specialty products.
Key factors that motivated the workers to join Unifor included a desire for better wages, more sick days, enhanced benefits, and improved working conditions. The decision follows a growing trend of airport workers seeking stronger representation amid the pressures of working in high-traffic environments.
Pearson International Airport is not only Canada’s largest and busiest airport but also a significant retail hub. With over 1,250 flights departing daily, Pearson serves millions of travellers annually, offering a wide range of shopping options from luxury brands like Burberry, Gucci, and Chanel Beauty to everyday essentials available at stores such as 7-Eleven and MAC Cosmetics. The airport’s retail sector has grown to accommodate high-end travellers, with offerings spanning from duty-free shops to specialty stores that cater to both international and domestic passengers.
The organizing campaign for The Nuance Group workers began in September 2024, culminating in a vote on October 2 and 3. One employee, Katie Makhlouf, expressed her excitement: “With Unifor, everyone’s voice and concerns will be heard. Together, united, we will collectively change and improve our workplace for the better.”
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