Stellantis employees in Ontario, represented by Unifor, have overwhelmingly voted in favor of authorizing a strike, with 97% support, as ongoing collective bargaining talks have hit a standstill. The voting took place over two days during the weekend, involving workers at facilities in Windsor, Toronto, and the Brampton assembly plant, which is currently inactive.
Unifor represents over 9,000 Stellantis workers in Canada and has emphasized that resorting to a strike is considered a last resort. James Stewart, the president of Unifor Local 444, highlighted the unity and strength of the workforce, stating that the high percentage of support sends a powerful message.
On the company’s side, Stellantis expressed its commitment to engaging in good-faith negotiations to reach an agreement that acknowledges employees’ contributions while maintaining the competitiveness of its Canadian operations. Unifor’s national president, Lana Payne, stressed the members’ determination to secure a fair deal that safeguards jobs for Canadian autoworkers.
The union clarified that it is currently not in a legal position to strike, as neither Stellantis nor Unifor has requested a No Board report, a necessary step for any job action under labor laws. The uncertainty surrounding the future of the Brampton factory has been a significant point of contention, with plans by Stellantis to sell the site to defense contractor Roshel, following layoffs in 2023 and the relocation of Jeep Compass production to Illinois.
Unifor has raised concerns that the potential closure and sale of the Brampton plant could jeopardize workers’ compensation packages, pensions, and benefits, impacting not only the automotive sector in Ontario but also the wider supply chain. Stellantis Canada’s CEO, Trevor Longley, reiterated the company’s substantial investments in Canada, totaling over $8 billion since 2022, underlining the market’s importance to the automaker.
In a positive development, a third shift was reinstated in Windsor in February, indicating some stability in operations.
