Canada’s Unifor Union Goes On Strike Against GM

Approximately four,280 personnel at GM plants in Canada have gone on strike

Update: GM and Unifor have reached a tentative agreement, information to comply with shortly

Canada’s Unifor union has gone on strike against General Motors following failing to attain an agreement.

The strike started at midnight and involves around four,280 personnel at Oshawa Assembly, the St. Catharines Propulsion Plant, and the Woodstock Parts Distribution Centre. These are crucial facilities for GM as Oshawa Assembly builds light and heavy duty versions of the Chevrolet Silverado, although the St. Catharines plant tends to make V6 and V8 engines as effectively as the dual-clutch gearbox utilized in the Corvette.

In a statement, Unifor stated “the decision to strike was not taken lightly” as they had been negotiating more than the vacation weekend and “into the final hours before the deadline.” However, the union says “General Motors made it clear that they would not agree to meet the conditions of the pattern agreement. We cannot and we will not settle for less than pattern – not today – not ever.”

More: Canada’s Unifor Union Sets October 9 Deadline For GM Talks

Canada’s Unifor Union Goes On Strike Against GM

Unifor went on to say that GM is unwilling to agree to “core pattern demands” in regards to pensions and “making sure full-time temporary part-time workers are given a clear path to permanent employment.” The union also cited a host of “other unresolved issues.” However, pensions look to be the massive sticking point as the union stated “Unifor retirees built the automotive industry in Canada and Unifor will not agree to pay our retired members at GM less than retirees at Ford of Canada.”

The union went on to say they have a “proud history of fighting back and winning,” citing a equivalent strike against GM in 1996. As Unifor stated, “We won pattern then and we will win it now.”

GM didn’t have a lot to say about the strike, but stated “GM Canada presented Unifor with a record economic offer that recognizes the many contributions of our represented team members – past, present, and future. However, there are some final outstanding items to be resolved at the bargaining table.”