Auto

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.

MONCTON—Three Unifor members from Local 4501 were struck by a vehicle while on a picket line in front of Acadia Toyota in Moncton, N.B.

“Our members have the right to picket for fair wages without experiencing violence,” says Linda MacNeil, Unifor Atlantic Regional Director. “Thankfully, the members only sustained bumps and bruises, but this could have ended in a tragic situation.”

OSHAWA—Unifor welcomes today’s announcement that federal and provincial investments for General Motors have been finalized and will help secure a third shift at the Oshawa plant and Canada’s first full assembly line retool to build electric commercial vehicles in Ingersoll.

 “This is a proud moment for Unifor members at General Motors,” said Shane Wark Unifor Assistant to the National President. “Today’s funding announcement was years in the making and shows how much we can accomplish when autoworkers, automakers, and governments work together.” 

By Lana Payne, Unifor National Secretary-Treasurer

When Unifor members ratified new collective agreements with Ford, Fiat-Chrysler and General Motors in the fall of 2020, ushering in a first wave of large-scale battery electric vehicle assembly mandates, we knew something big was about to happen. 

Unifor's testimony on Canada-US trade policy delivered by Assistant to the National President Shane Wark, pushes for a comprehensive auto strategy that protects and grows unionized auto and parts jobs, secures a Canadian carve-in for US electric vehicle rebates, and strengthens our electric vehicle supply chain.