Stellantis employees in Ontario, represented by Unifor, have overwhelmingly approved a strike mandate with a 97% vote as negotiations during collective bargaining have hit a standstill. The voting process took place over a two-day period during the weekend. These workers are based at facilities in Windsor, Toronto, and the currently inactive Brampton assembly plant.
Unifor represents more than 9,000 Stellantis employees in Canada and has emphasized that resorting to a strike is a last-resort option for them. James Stewart, President of Unifor Local 444, expressed the unity and strength displayed by the workers through the resounding 97% vote, signaling a firm message to the company.
Stellantis, in response to CBC News, stated its commitment to engaging in fair negotiations in good faith to achieve an agreement that acknowledges the workforce’s contributions and supports the long-term competitiveness of its Canadian operations. Unifor’s national president, Lana Payne, highlighted the unity among members in striving for a fair deal that safeguards jobs for Canadian autoworkers.
The current situation does not allow for a legal strike as neither party has requested a No Board report, a necessary step under labor laws to initiate a job action. A major point of contention has been the uncertainty surrounding the Brampton factory, with Stellantis announcing plans to sell the property to Roshel, a defense contractor. The previous layoff of over 2,000 workers in Brampton in 2023 and the subsequent relocation of Jeep Compass production to Illinois have added to the concerns.
Unifor has argued that the potential closure and sale of the Brampton plant could jeopardize workers’ compensation, retirement benefits, and have far-reaching implications for Ontario’s automotive industry and supply chain. Trevor Longley, President and CEO of Stellantis Canada, reiterated the company’s significant investments in Canada, exceeding $8 billion across its Canadian operations since 2022. In a positive development, a third shift was reintroduced in Windsor in February, indicating a step towards operational expansion.
The ongoing negotiations and the looming possibility of a strike underscore the gravity of the situation as both parties strive to reach a mutually beneficial agreement amidst the challenges faced by the automotive industry.
