Unifor and General Motors have commenced discussions for a new labor agreement, initiating talks at a bargaining table in downtown Toronto. The union represents over 4,600 members at GM facilities in Ontario, including the Oshawa assembly plant, the CAMI facility in Ingersoll, as well as operations in St. Catharines and Woodstock. National president of Unifor, Lana Payne, and GM Canada’s president and managing director, Jack Uppal, marked the start of negotiations with a handshake.
Both parties have set a target deadline of August 21 to reach a tentative agreement. Payne expressed optimism, citing the established groundwork from the pattern agreement with Ford, emphasizing the importance of discussing company operations and the future of auto jobs at GM in Canada.
Uppal, in a statement, underscored GM’s commitment to the bargaining process and the crucial role of its employees in the company’s success. Noting significant investments in Canadian manufacturing plants since 2020, totaling $3.3 billion, Uppal emphasized the aim of securing long-term Canadian jobs through mutually beneficial agreements that ensure GM Canada’s competitiveness.
Previously, Unifor members approved a new three-year contract with Ford, including annual pay increases and program commitments, demonstrating successful pattern-setting negotiations. The agreement also introduced a program providing laid-off workers a pathway to full employment by 2027. Payne highlighted key gains in wage increases and job security achieved through the Ford agreement.
Looking ahead, Unifor anticipates challenging negotiations with General Motors and Stellantis, given differences in decision-making compared to Ford, particularly in light of industry challenges such as tariffs and trade uncertainty. The ongoing bargaining with the Detroit Three automakers occurs amidst sector headwinds, including U.S. tariffs, trade agreements, and the emergence of Chinese electric vehicles in Canada.
