TORONTO – Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, is poised to kick off negotiations with Stellantis on October 18, 2023, and has established a strike deadline of October 29 at 11:59 p.m.
The upcoming talks with Stellantis represent the final round in a series of negotiations with Detroit automakers, with a particular focus on securing the terms of the Canadian pattern agreement and addressing Stellantis-specific workplace issues. Unifor National President Lana Payne expressed the union’s anticipation, saying, “We also have the added challenge of negotiating future product commitments for the Brampton Assembly plant that secures a future for all of our Stellantis members in the EV transition.”
Unifor’s negotiation strategy will follow the pattern agreement previously established with Ford of Canada and General Motors. Their aim is to secure an agreement that not only meets the core priorities outlined by union members but also maintains the high standards set by unionized autoworkers, serving as a benchmark for all manufacturing workers in Canada.
Stellantis Master Bargaining Chairperson James Stewart emphasized the dedication of the bargaining team, stating, “Our bargaining team is fully committed to negotiating a strong agreement that delivers on the core priorities set by our members and ensures that unionized autoworkers continue to set the highest standards for all manufacturing workers in Canada.”
Unifor represents over 8,200 members employed at various Stellantis facilities across Canada, including the Windsor Assembly Plant, Brampton Assembly Plant, Etobicoke Casting Plant, Red Deer Parts Distribution Centre, and Mississauga Parts Distribution Centre. The union, which represents 315,000 workers across multiple sectors of the Canadian economy, is positioned to play a crucial role in shaping the future of labor relations in the country. The outcome of these negotiations will have a significant impact on the Canadian automotive industry and the workforce it employs.
