Stellantis employees, represented by Unifor, have overwhelmingly voted in favor of a strike mandate, with a resounding 97% supporting the decision due to stalled collective bargaining talks. The voting process took place over a two-day period during the weekend. The workers affected are based in Windsor, Toronto, and the currently inactive Brampton assembly plant.
Unifor emphasized that resorting to a strike remains a last resort option. James Stewart, President of Unifor Local 444, expressed the unity and strength conveyed by the vote, stating, “When you deliver a strike authorization vote north of 97% across our Stellantis workplaces, you send a powerful message of unity and strength.” He further mentioned, “You have given us the tools to get this done.”
A significant point of contention revolves around the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Brampton factory. Stellantis recently announced plans to sell the property to defense contractor Roshel. The Brampton facility witnessed over 2,000 job cuts in 2023, following which production of the Jeep Compass was relocated to Illinois.
Unifor has raised concerns about the potential repercussions of closing and selling the Brampton plant, highlighting the risks to worker compensation, retirement benefits, and the broader impact on Ontario’s automotive industry and supply chain. Stellantis Canada’s President and CEO, Trevor Longley, emphasized the company’s commitment to the Canadian market, having invested over $8 billion in its Canadian operations since 2022.
In a positive development, a third shift was reintroduced in Windsor earlier this year. The situation continues to evolve.