Stellantis employees in Ontario, represented by Unifor, have overwhelmingly voted in favor of a strike mandate, with a resounding 97% approval, amid ongoing collective bargaining negotiations deadlock. The voting process took place over the weekend, involving workers from facilities located in Windsor, Toronto, and the currently inactive Brampton assembly plant.
Unifor represents over 9,000 Stellantis workers in Canada and considers strike action as a last resort. James Stewart, president of Unifor Local 444, emphasized the unity and strength displayed by the workforce through the high strike authorization vote percentages, signaling their determination to achieve their goals.
Regarding the situation, the automaker, Stellantis, expressed its commitment to engaging in good-faith bargaining for a mutually beneficial agreement that recognizes employee contributions and sustains the long-term competitiveness of its Canadian operations. Unifor’s national president, Lana Payne, highlighted the collective resolve of members to secure a fair deal with Stellantis that safeguards Canadian autoworkers’ jobs.
Despite the strong stance taken by the union, it clarified that it is not currently in a legal position to strike, as neither Stellantis nor Unifor has requested a No Board report, a necessary step under labor laws for initiating job actions. The uncertainty surrounding the future of the Brampton factory has been a major point of contention, especially after Stellantis announced its intention to sell the property to defense contractor Roshel. The potential sale has raised concerns about job security, wages, and benefits for workers, as well as broader implications for Ontario’s automotive industry and supply chain.
Stellantis Canada’s president and CEO, Trevor Longley, emphasized the company’s significant investments in Canada, totaling over $8 billion since 2022, underscoring its commitment to the Canadian market. In a positive development, a third shift was reinstated at the Windsor facility in February, indicating some stability in operations.