The labor union representing more than 6,000 employees at Stellantis’ Windsor Assembly plant is gearing up for collective bargaining talks with the company scheduled to commence on Tuesday. Unifor is the final of the Big 3 automakers to engage in negotiations with Unifor.
Official negotiations are slated to start at 11:00 a.m., as indicated in a social media video statement by Unifor Local 444 President James Stewart. Although the current collective agreement is set to expire at midnight on Sept. 20, negotiators are aiming to reach a new agreement sooner, prior to the Windsor Assembly Plant’s two-week shutdown at the end of September.
Stewart stated, “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.”
These negotiations come at a critical juncture for Windsor’s automotive industry, which has been grappling with hefty U.S. tariffs on vehicle and parts exports to the United States. President Donald Trump has even threatened to raise these tariffs to 50% effective Jan. 1.
Unifor members recently approved a new deal with General Motors, securing wage hikes for production and skilled trades workers, a $10,000 productivity bonus, and the renewal of a cost-of-living allowance. Additionally, union members at Ford ratified a new agreement with the company in July, which included wage increases, a renewed cost-of-living allowance, and planned investments in Canadian manufacturing.
A key focal point for the union in negotiations with Stellantis is ensuring future production allocations for both the Windsor Assembly Plant and the dormant Brampton facility, as emphasized by Stewart. Unifor disclosed that approximately 2,200 workers in Brampton are currently laid off, with Stellantis contemplating selling the plant—a move described by Unifor National President Lana Payne as a significant blow to the Canadian automotive sector.
Stewart recognized the complexities faced by negotiators due to the trade pressures from the U.S. administration, affirming, “We are in the fight for our lives.” He highlighted the challenging environment created by the U.S. administration’s stance on the Canadian auto industry, emphasizing the commitment of the union despite the adversities.