Unifor and Stellantis Forge Path to Progress: Tentative Agreement Reached

Tentative Agreement Reached Between Unifor and Stellantis

Union Strikes End at Stellantis Canadian Facilities

TORONTO — After a period of strike action, Unifor, Canada’s largest union in the private sector, has reached a tentative agreement with Stellantis, effectively ending the strike at the company’s Canadian facilities. The agreement, which covers 8,200 Unifor members at various Stellantis plants, marks a significant achievement for the union and its members.

Proud of Members’ Efforts

Unifor National President Lana Payne expressed her pride in the members for their quick and decisive action during the strike. She believes this agreement will lead to considerable improvements in the living standards of Unifor members at Stellantis.

Stellantis, one of the three major automakers in Detroit, has the largest operational footprint and workforce in Canada. Additionally, the company manufactures a significant number of vehicle products within the country. This makes the resolution of the strike at Stellantis a crucial development in the automotive industry.

Key Details of the Tentative Agreement

The new agreement follows the pattern agreement Unifor previously reached with Ford Motor Company and General Motors. It includes several key highlights that will remarkably benefit the union members at Stellantis:

• Base hourly wage increases of nearly 20% for production workers and 25% for Skilled Trades over the lifetime of the three-year agreement.
• General wage increases in each year of the agreement, with 10% in year one, 2% in year two, and 3% in year three.
• Reactivation of the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) in December 2024.
• Improvements to all pension plans.
• Reduction in wage progression from 8 to 4 years.
• A $10,000 Productivity and Quality bonus for full-time employees and $4,000 for Temporary Part-Time workers.
• Introduction of two new additional paid holidays: Family Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

These provisions not only ensure competitive wages but also address the evolving needs of autoworkers as the industry transitions to electric vehicles and prepares for the production of next-generation products.

Local and Facility-Specific Information

Details specific to each Stellantis facility and the local unions will be made available to members before the ratification votes. It is important for the members to have a comprehensive understanding of the agreement before finalizing their decision.

Unifor‘s Advocacy and Progressive Change

Unifor is committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of all working people. With a membership of 315,000 workers across various sectors, the union plays a vital role in ensuring equality, social justice, and progressive change in Canada and beyond.

Delivering Results in the Automotive Industry

Unifor‘s successful negotiations with the Detroit Three automakers, including Stellantis, are a testament to their dedication and effectiveness in protecting workers’ rights. By maintaining a core economic pattern and addressing facility-specific concerns, Unifor advocates for fair treatment and improved working conditions for its members.

Collaboration for a Better Future

Unifor‘s efforts in securing this tentative agreement with Stellantis represent a collaborative approach to bring about positive change in the automotive industry. Such negotiations not only benefit workers but also contribute to the growth and sustainability of the Canadian economy.

Advice for the Future

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for both workers and employers to adapt to changing circumstances. Unifor has shown that effective dialogue, a commitment to workers’ rights, and a willingness to address industry-specific challenges are key to reaching mutually beneficial agreements.

Embracing Technological Advances

The introduction of electric vehicles and the advancements in autonomous driving technology require a nimble and skilled workforce. By investing in training and retraining programs, both employers and unions can ensure that workers are equipped with the necessary skills for the future.

Environmental Sustainability

As the world moves towards a greener future, the automotive industry must prioritize sustainability. This means investing in research and development of alternative fuels and reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing processes.

Commitment to Fairness

The success of the automotive industry relies on fair and equitable treatment of workers. Employers must strive to provide reasonable wages, job security, and safe working conditions. Unions, on the other hand, must continue to advocate for their members and work towards improved standards within the industry.

Collaboration and Communication

Open and transparent communication between unions, employers, and government bodies is essential for building a strong and sustainable automotive industry. By working together, all stakeholders can ensure the continued growth and prosperity of the sector.

Overall, the tentative agreement between Unifor and Stellantis demonstrates the importance of collective bargaining and collaboration in creating a fair and prosperous future for autoworkers in Canada.