Stellantis workers in Canada vote on strike mandate as talks stall
The two-day vote will wrap up on Saturday, with results expected from Unifor on Monday.
TORONTO — Stellantis workers in Canada began voting on Friday on whether to give their union a strike mandate as collective bargaining negotiations remain stalled.
The two-day votes will wrap up on Saturday, with Unifor set to announce results on Monday.
Unifor says potential strike action remains its last resort as it still hopes to reach a negotiated deal with the company.
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"Potential strike action remains its last resort," the union said.
What is the main point of contention?
The union remains at loggerheads with the automaker after Stellantis announced plans to sell its idled Brampton, Ont., assembly plant to defence contractor Roshel.
Stellantis says market and trade conditions have hurt the business case for keeping the plant, but that the move to sell could support future jobs there.
More than 2,000 workers were laid off from the Brampton plant when it halted operations in 2023, as Stellantis later moved production of its Jeep Compass from the site to Illinois.
What is the scope of the vote?
The vote involves Stellantis workers across Canada.
Yadude Books reported in October that Unifor was planning a strike vote for 9,000 Stellantis workers, citing stalled talks over the future of the idled Ontario plant and broader job security concerns.
What is the union's recent bargaining history?
Unifor has turned its focus to Stellantis after reaching deals with GM and Ford.
The union's goal is to reach a negotiated deal with Stellantis, avoiding a strike.
The results of the strike vote will be announced on Monday.
What is the status of the Brampton plant?
The Brampton assembly plant has been idled since 2023.
Stellantis announced plans to sell the idled facility to defence contractor Roshel.
The company says market and trade conditions have hurt the business case for keeping the plant.
It says the move to sell could support future jobs there.
More than 2,000 workers were laid off from the Brampton plant when it halted operations.
Stellantis later moved production of its Jeep Compass from the site to Illinois.
What is the timeline for the vote and results?
Voting began on Friday.
The two-day votes will wrap up on Saturday.
Unifor is set to announce results on Monday.
Potential strike action remains the union's last resort.
Unifor says it still hopes to reach a negotiated deal with the company.
Collective bargaining negotiations remain stalled.
With files from The Canadian Press, Global News and The Globe and Mail