Ahead of talks with Big Three, Unifor calls for investment in Canada’s auto industry
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
Union says it will fight to bring new programs north of the border
Canada’s largest private union said it would work to bring more big-ticket GM, Ford and FCA investment to Canada at bargaining talks this summer. PHOTO FCA
LONDON, Ont.—In the lead-up to bargaining talks with General Motors, Ford Motor Co. and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles this summer, Unifor’s Auto Council is putting new investments in Canada front and centre.
“When we get into bargaining, the number one priority will be maintaining and expanding the footprint of the industry in Canada,” said Chris Taylor, chair of the union’s Auto Council and the president of Local 200 at the Ford engine plant in Windsor.
In a unanimous council decision, the 120 delegates said the bargaining committees will focus on bringing new products to Canada, emphasizing assembly and powertrain programs specifically.
“The priorities we have set today for new products and commitments to investment mandates are about the continued prosperity of our industry and our communities,” Taylor said.
The union’s national president, Jerry Dias, added that Unifor is also looking to secure wage hikes and more positions for new hires from the Big Three.
Bargaining talks between the union and the Detroit Three are scheduled to take place over the summer.
