In a recent development, Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, has called for a strike against General Motors (GM) as the company refuses to meet their pattern agreement. Unifor National President Lana Payne expressed the union’s determination, stating, “This strike is about General Motors stubbornly refusing to meet the pattern agreement. The company knows our members will never let GM break our pattern – not today – not ever.” She further highlighted GM’s shortcomings in addressing pension demands, income support for retired workers, and the transition of temporary workers into permanent roles.
Approximately 4,280 autoworkers at several GM facilities, including the Oshawa Assembly Complex, CCA Stamped Products, St. Catharines Powertrain Plant, and Woodstock Parts Distribution Centre, have joined the strike as of today. The union’s pattern agreement was originally established in a collective agreement ratified with Ford of Canada.
Members from Unifor Locals 222, 199, and 636 have committed to continuing the strike until GM complies with the established pattern. However, Unifor Local 88 members at the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, operate under a separate collective agreement and will maintain their regular operations.
Unifor GM Master Bargaining Chair Jason Gale emphasized the unity of their members and the significance of their contributions to GM’s operations, stating, “Everything our members do, from the trucks we assemble, the stamping plant we run, the engines and transmissions we build, and the parts we deliver, are all critical to GM’s bottom line. This dispute can only end one way: with GM agreeing to the same terms in our pattern agreement with Ford.”
In response to the strike, GM Canada issued a statement acknowledging positive progress in recent negotiations but expressing disappointment over the inability to reach a new collective agreement with Unifor. The company remains committed to working with the union to achieve an agreement that is fair and flexible for its 4,200 represented employees at the Oshawa Assembly & Operations, St. Catharines Propulsion Plant, and Woodstock Parts Distribution Centre.
This strike in the automotive sector, with its potential to disrupt supply chains, is expected to have significant implications for the already struggling logistics and supply chain industry. The full extent of these impacts remains to be seen as negotiations continue between Unifor and General Motors.
