The upcoming collective bargaining between Stellantis’s Windsor Assembly plant and the union representing over 6,000 workers is scheduled to commence on Tuesday. This negotiation marks the final Big 3 automaker, Stellantis, to engage in talks with Unifor.
According to a social media video statement by Unifor Local 444 president James Stewart, the negotiations are set to start at 11 a.m. ET. While the current collective agreement is due to expire at midnight on Sept. 20, negotiators aim to reach a new agreement earlier, before a planned two-week shutdown at the end of the month.
Stewart mentioned that they plan to work continuously until Sept. 11 without returning home, emphasizing their commitment to reaching a timely agreement. These discussions come amidst challenges in the Windsor automotive sector, including significant U.S. tariffs on exports to the United States, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to raise these tariffs to 50% effective Jan. 1.
Recent ratifications of new deals by Unifor members with General Motors and Ford have set precedents, including wage increases, productivity bonuses, and cost-of-living allowances. The negotiations with Stellantis hold particular importance for the union, aiming to secure future production for both the Windsor Assembly plant and the idled Brampton plant.
Around 2,200 Brampton workers are currently laid off, and concerns have risen as Stellantis considers selling the plant, which Unifor national president Lana Payne described as a blow to the Canadian automotive industry. Stewart acknowledged the tough environment shaped by trade pressures from the U.S. administration and emphasized the union’s commitment to navigating these challenges during negotiations.
