Auto

TORONTO—Unifor members endorsed a new auto policy at the union’s Constitutional Convention that sets out a comprehensive vision  to transform Canada into a global leader in electric vehicle production.

“We have all the ingredients necessary to transition to electric vehicle manufacturing and grow our economy, while creating good union jobs and reducing Canada’s carbon footprint all at the same time,” said Lana Payne, at her first news conference as Unifor National President after yesterday’s election.

Canada’s auto sector has seen more than $16 billion in EV supply chain investments  repositioning Canada as a major player in both gas-powered cars and components as well as the electric vehicles of the future.

TORONTO—Unifor will unveil a new comprehensive policy document on Canada’s auto sector at a live news conference on Zoom Thursday August 11, 2022.

This column originally appeared in The Hill Times

By Angelo DiCaro and Laura Macdonald  

Supporters of labour rights in Mexico won a big victory on May 26 when workers at General Motors’ biggest auto plant, located in the city of Silao, ratified a first collective agreement negotiated by their new, independently elected union SINTTIA.

Unifor Local 222 members at Pilkington Glass made significant wage gains in a new contract ratified on June 12, 2022. The three-year agreement covers approximately 100 union members who manufacture specialty glass products for the auto industry at the Whitby, Ontario plant.

General Motors workers in Silao, Mexico have ratified a new collective agreement – the first negotiated by their CILAS/Unifor-backed independent union – that gives them a voice in the workplace for the first time, more money and improved working conditions.

Unifor is taking an important role at the World Social Forum, being held this year in Mexico where the union has been active for many years working in solidarity with the independent unions to improve the rights of working people.

WINDSOR—Unifor welcomes today’s announcement that funding for Stellantis Windsor, Brampton and related technology facilities will top $3.6 billion with federal and provincial government support, securing good union jobs and a bright future for autoworkers across Ontario and accelerating Canada’s electric vehicle transition.