International trade

(This editorial was originally published in the online and print editions of The Hill Times on Wednesday, August 21, 2024)

TORONTO—Unifor welcomes the federal government decision to impose an additional 100% tariff on all new energy vehicles imported from China as well as a new 25% tariff on imports of steel and aluminum.

WINGHAM— Unifor is intensifying efforts against Wescast Industries and its owner, Bohong Industries Group based in China, as the company continues to withhold approximately $10 million in termination and severance pay from 200 workers who lost their jobs at the Wingham, Ontario facility in July 2023. 

OTTAWA—Unifor is calling for the federal government to implement a series of tough and comprehensive measures as part of ongoing public consultations on protecting Canadian autoworkers from China’s unfair electric vehicle trade practices. 

On Monday, June 24, Unifor National President Lana Payne joined workers, politicians and auto industry representatives for the federal government’s announcement of a 30-day consultation on potential policy response to guard against unfair Chinese electric vehicle imports.

Launching July 2, the consultations will solicit opinions on how best to prevent dumping and other unfair practices by EV manufacturers in China that threaten Canadian auto and auto parts jobs across the country. 

May 30, 2024

National President Lana Payne outlines Unifor’s priorities for the 2026 CUSMA in her testimony before the Standing Committee on International Trade.

Testimony of Lana Payne, National President
May 30, 2024

Good afternoon Madame Chair, and members of the committee.

My name is Lana Payne and I’m the National President of Unifor, Canada’s largest labour union in the private sector representing 320,000 working people across the country. Joining me is Unifor Director of Research Angelo DiCaro.