The labor union representing more than 6,000 employees at Stellantis’s Windsor Assembly plant is gearing up to engage in collective bargaining with the company starting this Tuesday. Stellantis is the final of the major three automakers to enter negotiations with Unifor. The talks are slated to commence at 11 a.m. ET, as confirmed by a video statement released by Unifor Local 444 president, James Stewart.
While the current collective agreement is set to expire at midnight on September 20, negotiators are aiming to reach a new agreement sooner, especially before a scheduled two-week shutdown at the end of the month. Stewart expressed determination, stating, “We’re going to work right through Labour Day. We’re not coming home — we’re going to continue to bargain to try and achieve an internal deadline of Sept. 11.”
The negotiations come at a critical juncture for Windsor’s automotive industry, which has been grappling with significant U.S. tariffs on exported vehicles and parts. U.S. President Donald Trump has even threatened to raise these tariffs to 50% effective January 1.
Recently, Unifor members voted in favor of a new deal with General Motors, which includes wage hikes for production and skilled trade workers, a $10,000 productivity bonus, and the continuation of a cost-of-living allowance. Likewise, union members at Ford ratified a new agreement in July, featuring wage increases, a renewal of the cost-of-living allowance, and planned investments in Canadian manufacturing.
A key focus for the union in negotiations with Stellantis is securing future production allocations for both the Windsor Assembly plant and the idle Brampton facility. Approximately 2,200 workers in Brampton are currently on layoff status, with Stellantis contemplating selling the plant, a move that Unifor national president Lana Payne described as a blow to the Canadian auto sector.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by trade pressures from the Trump administration, Stewart emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We are in the fight for our lives.” Despite these difficulties, the union remains resolute in their commitment to navigating the negotiation process successfully.