OEMs
Unifor Picks Ford as Target Automaker in Big Three Labor Talks
Written by Laura Miller
September 7, 2023
Unifor, the union representing Canadian autoworkers, among others, has chosen Ford Motor Co. as the target company in its labor negotiations with the Big Three Detroit automakers.
“Ford was selected as the target because we believe that the company is in the best position to reach an agreement that delivers on the needs of our members and sets a strong pattern for Canada’s auto industry,” Lana Payne, Unifor’s national president, said in a statement.
Labor talks between Unifor and Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis began in August, with Unifor representing 18,000 autoworkers covered by the agreements.
Unifor’s main asks center around improved pensions, wages, and issues related to the EV transition.
The union said it will now concentrate on negotiations with Ford leading up to the expiration of the current contract on Sept. 18 at 11:59 p.m.
Once an agreement is reached and ratified with Ford, it will also set the contract terms and conditions for Unifor-represented workers at GM and Stellantis.
In August, Unifor members at Ford, GM, and Stellantis voted overwhelmingly in favor of striking, should it come down to that.
“Canadian autoworkers have sent a strong message to D3 automakers that they are united behind our bargaining committees in an effort to improve pensions, increase wages, and secure good, union jobs in the EV future,” Payne commented.
UAW Talks with Big Three
The United Auto Workers (UAW) union in the US is also in contract negotiations with the Detroit Three automakers.
In August, the UAW passed its own strike authorization vote.
Earlier this week, UAW president Shawn Fain said that union will strike against any Detroit automaker with whom an agreement has not been reached as of the expiration of its contracts on Sept. 14 at 11:59 p.m.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/SMU_LM_headshot.png.jpg-150x150.png)
Laura Miller
Read more from Laura MillerLatest in OEMs
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/AHRI-logo.jpg)
HVAC shipments gained more ground in June
Shipments of heating and cooling equipment moved higher in June, according to the latest data released from the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). June shipments increased 10% month on month (m/m) to 2.16 million units. This was a 7% boost over the same month last year. June represents the best monthly shipment rate year-to-date, […]
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/HARDI.png)
Galvanized buyers see price slide continuing in near term
Galvanized prices have tumbled from a month ago, and many market participants expect that trend to continue in July.
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/AHRI-logo.jpg)
HVAC equipment shipments slip in April
Shipments of heating and cooling equipment receded from March to April according to the latest data released from the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/Nucor.png)
Nucor to buy commercial door manufacturer Rytec for $565M
Nucor Corp. is adding another commercial door manufacturer to its growing portfolio of downstream companies. Charlotte, N.C.-based Nucor announced on Monday that it has agreed to purchase Rytec Corp. for $565 million in cash. Rytec produces high-speed, high-performance commercial doors at its two Wisconsin manufacturing facilities. The company’s rolling doors are used in warehouses, manufacturing […]
![](https://www.steelmarketupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/images/Featured_News_Icons/HARDI.png)
Galvanized buyers see prices flat to down next month
Prices for galvanized products have fallen from last month, and many market participants expect tags to continue their descent or at best remain flat in the month ahead.