Canadian Union Unifor Emphasizes Electric Vehicle Transition In Stellantis Talks

Canadian union Unifor said on Wednesday that the company is continuing negotiations with Chrysler parent Stellantis NV STLA for a new labor contract and prioritizing discussions on EV transition.

What Happened: The union is now bargaining with Stellantis for a contract on the lines of the one it has ratified with the other two Detroit automakers- Ford Motor Co and General Motors Co.

The union is prioritizing discussion around EV transition for the Brampton assembly plant and has requested the company to provide more information about the forecasted re-tool timeline, product allocation, timing for product launch, projected staffing levels and shift configuration, Unifor said in a statement.

The union will talk to the company’s senior executives on Thursday and Friday for these discussions and will also seek details on Windsor Assembly Plant and Etobicoke Casting Plant product planning.

Why It Matters: The union opened negotiations with all three Detroit automakers in early August for better pay and pensions. However, it decided to concentrate on Ford on nearing contract expiry. The idea was to reach an agreement with Ford, which could set the ground for contracts with the other two. The union has already managed to ratify new agreements with Ford and GM.

With Stellantis, the union has set a deadline of Sunday, 11:59 p.m. for a strike unless the company agrees to follow the pattern agreement.

Photo by Jonathan Weiss on Shutterstock

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