Lana Payne - Op-ed contributor Originally published in the Detroit Free Press July 24, 2025
Canada and the U.S. have, for half a century, built cars and prosperity together. During that time, auto unions on both sides of the border have fought for better working conditions and fair-trade agreements that raise living standards for workers.
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.
TORONTO- Honda’s decision to stall a $15 billion electric vehicle supply chain in Ontario is the latest blow to Canadian autoworkers, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s escalating attacks on the EV sector and cross-border auto trade continue to put Canadian jobs at risk.
Unifor is calling for swift action following General Motors’ announcement that it plans to reduce its Oshawa Assembly Plant from a three shift to a two shift operation this fall, citing Trump imposed tariffs.
WINDSOR—With fists raised and voices roaring, thousands of Unifor members, labour leaders, and allies surged into Windsor’s Riverfront Festival Plaza on April 26 in a powerful show of defiance against U.S. President Donald Trump’s assault on Canadian jobs.
“This is the fight of our lives,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “They are not [Trump’s] jobs to take. They are Canadian jobs. They are Unifor jobs, and we are going to do whatever we have to do to defend them and protect them.”
TORONTO – While Unifor is encouraged that Honda Canada has confirmed its facility in Alliston, Ontario, will operate at full capacity for the foreseeable future with no changes being considered at this time the union cautions vigilance amid the ongoing threat to Canadian auto jobs posed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
INGERSOLL—The news of General Motors' decision to temporarily halt and then reduce production of the BrightDrop electric delivery van at CAMI Assembly Plant is devastating for Unifor members, their families, and the entire Ingersoll community.
TORONTO—Canadian counter-tariffs of 25% on vehicles imported from U.S., which came into effect today, are a necessary retaliation says Unifor.
“There is absolutely no justification for the United States to impose tariffs on Canadian vehicles. Canada did not start this trade war, but we have no choice but to fight. We refuse to back down and sacrifice Canada’s auto jobs and industry on Donald Trump’s altar,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
WINDSOR— Stellantis has responded to the imposition of a 25% auto tariff with the temporary layoff of thousands of Unifor Local 444 members at Windsor Assembly Plant and additional layoffs in Mexico and at U.S. facilities.
