Unifor and UAW Unions Empowered to Call Strike Action

Two North American auto workers unions, Unifor and UAW, have been empowered with authority and mandate for strike action if deemed necessary. Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, says its members at Ford, General Motors and Stellantis have voted majorly in favor of a strike mandate. 

This comes after UAW announced last week that its members voted, authorizing a strike at the Detroit Three. The members would go ahead with the strike if an agreement was not reached before September 14. UAW said 97 percent of its voting members gave green light to the strike action across the Detroit Three automakers, representing 150,000 workers. 

Shawn Fain, UAW president, said their members’ expectations are high because Big Three profits are high, And the union said its message to the auto companies are “record profits mean record contracts”. 

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As for Unifor, it put negotiations on hold with the Big Three for the strike votes. Lana Payne, Unifor National President, said Canadian autoworkers have sent a strong message to D3 automakers that they are united behind the bargaining committees in an effort to improve pensions, increase wages, and secure good, union jobs in the EV future. The bargaining teams are set to resume negotiations with the unwavering support of Unifor members across the auto sector. 

“Make no mistake, our union is fully prepared to take any and all necessary action to achieve our collective bargaining objectives.” It should be noted that Unifor paused contract negotiations over the weekend to hold a vote in an effort to secure the overwhelming mandate. 

And now, both unions are seeking better and bigger contracts and compensation for its members and workers at the respective companies to meet the cost-of-living crisis, and inflation. They want the companies to recognize and respect the sacrifice and dedication of the workers.