Auto workers negotiations

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Unifor, the union that represents about 23 000 Canadian auto workers has selected General Motors as its target company in the opening round of contract talks. Unifor’s President, Jerry Dias says of the big three, GM will be their toughest challenge that’s why they are the first up in negotiations. The future of the GM plant in Oshawa is uncertain and Dias says the automaker must protect the St. Catharine’s plant as well.

The key issue is investment, that’s the top priority. According to Dias, in the last few years 11 auto plants opened up in Mexico and the U.S while two have closed here in Canada. If the union is able to negotiate a deal with GM that agreement will serve as a template for negotiations with Ford and Fiat Chrysler.

He says they won’t sign a deal without a firm Canadian investment from the auto maker but negotiations may hit a stand still because GM indicated it won’t talk about any new investments until a collective agreement is ratified, Dias says that won’t happen.

According to Unifor they have received a strong strike mandate from it’s members as they prepare to negotiate. If the two sides are unable to reach a deal by September 19th the union will call for a strike against GM.