The collective bargaining between Stellantis’s Windsor Assembly plant, where more than 6,000 workers are represented by a union, and the company is scheduled to commence on Tuesday. Unifor is engaging in negotiations with Stellantis, marking the final of the Big 3 automakers to enter discussions with the union.
The formal negotiations are slated to begin at 11 a.m. ET, as highlighted in a social media video by Unifor Local 444 president, James Stewart. Even though the current collective agreement is set to expire at midnight on September 20, negotiators are aiming to reach an agreement earlier, before a planned two-week shutdown of the plant at the month’s end.
Stewart emphasized the determination of the bargaining parties, stating, “We’re going to work right through Labour Day. We’re not coming home — we’re going to continue to bargain to try and achieve an internal deadline of Sept. 11.”
The timing of the negotiations is critical for Windsor’s automotive sector, facing challenges like steep U.S. tariffs on vehicles and parts exported to the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump has even threatened to raise these tariffs to 50% effective January 1.
Recently, Unifor members ratified a new deal with General Motors, securing wage increases for production and skilled trades workers, a $10,000 productivity bonus, and the continuation of a cost-of-living allowance. Ford union members also approved a new agreement with the company in July, encompassing wage hikes, a renewed cost-of-living allowance, and planned investments in Canadian manufacturing.
James Stewart highlighted the significance of discussions around the Brampton assembly plant, emphasizing the union’s objective to secure future production allocations for both the Windsor Assembly plant and the idle Brampton facility. Unifor expressed concerns about the Brampton plant possibly being sold, a development that Unifor national president Lana Payne described as a significant blow to the Canadian automotive industry.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by trade pressures from the U.S. administration, Stewart underlined the gravity of the situation, stating, “We are in the fight for our lives.” Despite the obstacles, the negotiating parties remain committed to navigating these turbulent times.