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Delegates of the Unifor Auto Industry Council gathered in London, Ontario, on June 24 to focus on defending Canada’s auto industry from the ongoing threat of U.S. tariffs and demand immediate action from the federal government to protect Canadian autoworkers.
With the fast-approaching self-imposed July 21 deadline to reach a trade agreement with the U.S., National President Lana Payne warned that accepting any form of tariff normalization would be disastrous for workers and investment.
“We need to be clear that we will not accept embedded tariffs,” Payne said. “The normalization of tariffs will see the bleed of jobs and investment to the United States—we will never accept that. No deal is better than a bad deal that shortchanges the auto sector and autoworkers.”
Payne called on the federal government to move urgently to protect the 40,000 Unifor members working in the auto sector.
“We have demanded the government establish an auto war room, with representatives from our union, government and industry meeting regularly—if not daily—to work on a common position to protect the industry from Trump’s economic policies.”
Payne outlined recent engagements with federal ministers and top executives at the Detroit Three, stressing the importance of ensuring companies are held accountable for their Canadian commitments.
“Canadians are not in a mood to support American companies that penalize Canadian workers in order to appease Trump,” Payne said. “We expect them to live up to their commitments to all of our facilities in Canada and we will hold them accountable to their investments.”
Auto Council Chairperson John D’Agnolo, who also leads the Ford Council, underscored the urgency of collective action.
“We’re protecting every worker, not only in auto but in every industry, and it’s important that we do that,” said D’Agnolo. “There will be no tariffs. The government needs to put its foot down. We’ve been here, building cars, for a hundred years. We create tens of thousands of jobs and drive economic growth across the border—our presence demands recognition and respect.”
James Stewart, Stellantis Council Chairperson, flagged serious concerns about delayed retooling at Brampton Assembly.
“We are facing critical uncertainty with the future of Brampton,” said Stewart. “Our members need clarity, and we need a government that has our backs when corporations drag their feet. These delays have real consequences for working families.”
Trevor Longpre, newly elected Chairperson of the GM Council, raised alarms about the instability affecting GM’s Canadian operations.
“At Oshawa and CAMI, we’re already seeing the early consequences of instability—job cuts, production threats,” said Longpre. “It’s why this Council’s work and unity is more important than ever. We must push back, stay informed, and stay loud.”
In her remarks, Payne emphasized the union’s role in staying ahead of industry moves and keeping government focused on protecting workers.
“We know that auto companies, and every major company across Canada, have tariff mitigation plans in play, and none of it is good for working people. That’s why we have to make the calls every single day. We must keep pushing.”
Delegates also heard from Angelo DiCaro, Unifor’s Director of Research, who provided a detailed briefing on existing and potential U.S. tariffs. Shane Wark, Assistant to the National Officers, presented updates on the administration of Detroit Three Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) provisions and the Employee Life and Health Trust (ELHT).
The meeting followed separate sessions held by the Unifor GM Council and Unifor Ford Council on June 23, where company-specific issues were addressed and leadership elections held.
At the Ford Council Jason Del Buono was acclaimed as Vice-Chairperson in a byelection.
The GM Council elected Trevor Longpre as Chairperson. Chris Waugh was acclaimed as Vice-Chairperson, Jerred Winn as Treasurer, Mark Gee as Recording Secretary, and Jeff Gray, Jeff Bankes, and Lawrence Robson as Trustees.
The Auto Industry Council also acclaimed Trevor Longpre as Vice-Chairperson and Jason Del Buono and Chris Waugh as Trustees.
As Canada faces the mounting threat of U.S. protectionism, the Unifor Auto Industry Council sent a clear message: Canadian workers will not quietly accept the erosion of their industry, their jobs, or their future.
