Unifor, Stellantis set to begin contract talks after deals with GM, Ford

Unifor, the union representing workers at Stellantis, has begun contract talks with the automaker after previous agreements were reached with GM and Ford. The negotiations, which are the final round of bargaining for the Detroit Three, are crucial as they aim to replicate successful terms with other companies. Unifor president Lana Payne warned that this round of negotiations is likely to be the most challenging yet, given recent headwinds such as tariffs and the uncertainty surrounding Stellantis' operations in Canada.

The union's main concern is job security, particularly in light of over 2,000 workers being laid off from Stellantis' Brampton, Ontario assembly plant. The plant was previously set to be retooled for Jeep production, but production was paused in early 2025 and the vehicles were moved to the U.S. instead, violating the current collective agreement. Payne emphasized that the Jeep Compass should have remained at the Brampton plant, calling it a "wrong decision."

Stellantis CEO Trevor Longley acknowledged the importance of the company's future negotiations with Unifor, stating that Canada remains an important market for the company. He highlighted the $8 billion investment made by Stellantis in Canadian operations since 2022, which has enhanced the manufacturing footprint and advanced battery technology in Ontario.

The talks are taking place amid ongoing U.S. tariffs on cars and trucks not built in the U.S., with a 25% levy still in place, excluding vehicles that comply with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs on all vehicles, auto parts, and steel from Canada to 50% beginning in January. Payne stressed the importance of maintaining Canada's auto sector, warning that a 50% tariff could shut down the entire North American auto industry.