Unifor Auto Workers Authorize Strike Against Detroit Three

Mark Stevenson
by Mark Stevenson

Canadian autoworkers represented by Unifor have authorized strike action against all Detroit Three automakers “if a fair and reasonable settlement is not reached before the September 19th deadline,” announced Unifor Sunday night.

“With this clear mandate our members have demonstrated they are in full support of their bargaining committees, and our direction in this set of negotiations. The bargaining committee will not accept a deal without a commitment to investment in Canada’s auto sector,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias.

According to Unifor, Fiat Chrysler workers voted 99.0 percent in favor of strike action, Ford Motor Company employees voted 98.9 percent in favor, and General Motors workers — who arguably have the most to lose in this round of labor negotiations — voted 97.1 percent in favor.

Strike authorization is not a new tactic used by Unifor in its negotiations with the Detroit Three. In 2012, almost four years ago to the day of Sunday’s strike authorization, Canadian Auto Workers union members voted overwhelmingly in favor to give bargaining committees permission to call a strike.

Labor negotiations began between Unifor and General Motors on August 10th, followed by Ford and FCA on August 11th.

Mark Stevenson
Mark Stevenson

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  • Here4aSammich Here4aSammich on Aug 28, 2016

    Now they'll pick one of the 3 as their target. I'm betting GM will be the first on the list.

    • See 4 previous
    • Mikey Mikey on Aug 29, 2016

      @Mark Stevenson Mark ...Your right , i would be shocked to see GM picked. As Lorenzo mentions , FCA is the mostly likely target. That being said , Sergio is no pushover. If i was a betting man, i would say ?? 20 percent chance of a GM target ,30 percent Ford, 50 percent FCA

  • Big Al from Oz Big Al from Oz on Aug 29, 2016

    I'm hoping the manufacturers don't get caught up in renumeration offers. This is what kills everyone. I would make a deal to offer more money and reduce benefits to help offset any pay rise.

  • Corey Lewis Corey Lewis on Aug 29, 2016

    Unifor sounds like a shampoo company. They should rename it when they strike!

  • Rpol35 Rpol35 on Aug 29, 2016

    The only thing that I see this as is the additional incentive for GM to depart Oshawa, excepting their recently announced technology center, once and for all. Hard to say about FCA; Marchione has expressed his displeasure with Canadian dealings/operations before and their future vehicle line-up seems a bit clouded anyway.

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