The Windsor Assembly plant with over 6,000 workers represented by the union and Stellantis will commence collective bargaining on Tuesday. Stellantis is the final among the Big 3 automakers to engage in negotiations with Unifor. The talks are officially scheduled to start at 11 a.m. ET, as confirmed in a social media video by Unifor Local 444 president, James Stewart.
Although the current collective agreement expires at midnight on Sept. 20, negotiators aim to reach an agreement earlier, ahead of the plant’s two-week shutdown by month-end. Stewart mentioned, “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 due to challenges such as steep U.S. tariffs on exported vehicles and parts. U.S. President Donald Trump has even threatened to raise these tariffs to 50% effective Jan. 1.
Recently, Unifor members voted to support a new agreement with General Motors, which includes wage increases, a productivity bonus, and the renewal of a cost-of-living allowance. Similarly, Ford union members ratified a new deal in July, featuring wage hikes, cost-of-living adjustments, and investments in Canadian manufacturing.
A key focus for the union in negotiations with Stellantis is securing future production allocations for both the Windsor Assembly plant and the dormant Brampton facility. Approximately 2,200 Brampton workers are currently laid off, with Stellantis contemplating selling the plant, a move described by Unifor as detrimental to the Canadian automotive industry.
Amidst the trade pressures from the Trump administration, Stewart acknowledged the challenges faced by negotiators, emphasizing the importance of the situation. “We are in the fight for our lives,” he stated, highlighting the determination of the union in navigating the difficulties posed by external factors.
