Automaker contract talks continue
More than 98 percent of workers ok’d a strike
The latest in contract negotiations between Unifor and Ford, GM, and Stellantis has laid out a consequence. The union has announced that members voted “overwhelmingly” to authorize its bargaining committees to take job action to achieve a fair agreement with each of the automakers involved.
A strike mandate does not mean a strike is imminent, or even likely. It simply means that Unifor members have put the option on the table. It’s meant as a sign to show the employers how far members are willing to go to secure what they feel is a fair deal.
“Canadian autoworkers have sent a strong message to D3 automakers that they are united behind our bargaining committees in an effort to improve pensions, increase wages, and secure good, union jobs in the EV future,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Our bargaining teams are set to resume negotiations with the unwavering support of Unifor members across the auto sector. Make no mistake, our union is fully prepared to take any and all necessary action to achieve our collective bargaining objectives.”
Unifor said that 98.1 per cent of Stellantis workers voted in favour of strike action, 98.9 per cent at Ford, and 99 per cent at GM. It’s a strong message.
Contract negotiations for the 18,000 autoworkers started on August 10th. The collective agreements between the Detroit Three and Unifor expire on September 18th at midnight, leaving plenty of time to come to a new agreement.
