Workers represented by Unifor at Stellantis facilities in Ontario have overwhelmingly voted in favor of a strike mandate, with 97% supporting the move due to stalled collective bargaining negotiations. The voting process took place over the weekend, involving employees from factories in Windsor, Toronto, and the currently inactive Brampton assembly plant.
Unifor, the union representing over 9,000 Stellantis workers in Canada, emphasized that striking is viewed as a last resort. James Stewart, president of Unifor Local 444, expressed the unity and strength demonstrated by the significant vote, stating that it provides the necessary leverage for their objectives.
In response to queries from CBC News, Stellantis reiterated its commitment to engaging in sincere negotiations and striving for a mutually beneficial agreement that acknowledges employee contributions while ensuring the long-term competitiveness of its Canadian operations. Unifor’s national president, Lana Payne, stressed the members’ resolve to secure a fair deal with Stellantis that safeguards Canadian autoworkers’ jobs.
The union clarified that they are not currently in a legal position to strike since neither Stellantis nor Unifor has initiated the process for a No Board report, a prerequisite for labor-related actions. The uncertainty surrounding the Brampton plant has been a major point of contention, particularly after Stellantis announced plans to sell the site to Roshel, a defense contractor. This move follows the layoff of over 2,000 workers in Brampton in 2023, with production of the Jeep Compass subsequently shifted to Illinois.
Unifor has raised concerns that the potential closure and sale of the Brampton facility could jeopardize workers’ compensation, retirement benefits, and overall impact the automotive industry in Ontario, including the supply chain. Trevor Longley, Stellantis Canada’s president and CEO, highlighted the company’s substantial investments exceeding $8 billion in its Canadian operations since 2022 as a testament to its commitment to the market. Additionally, in Windsor, a third shift was reinstated in February, signaling positive developments in the region.
