A strike deadline came and went on Monday night with no deal between Unifor and General Motors.
"This strike is about General Motors stubbornly refusing to meet the pattern agreement," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "The company knows our members will never let GM break our pattern -- not today -- not ever."
Payne said the company has fallen short on the union's pension demands, income support for retired workers, and steps to transition temporary workers into permanent, full-time jobs.
"Our bargaining team was crystal clear with the company throughout these negotiations. Our members are united and ready to strike, no exceptions," said Unifor GM Master Bargaining Chair Jason Gale. "This dispute can only end one way, with GM agreeing to the same terms in our pattern agreement with Ford."
Unionized workers at Ford voted 54 per cent in favour of ratifying a three-year agreement late last month. The contract gives those workers a ten per cent increase in the first year of the deal, a two per cent increase in 2024, and three per cent more in 2025. Employees also won a $10,000 signing bonus.
The strike includes 4,280 workers at the Oshawa Assembly Complex and CCA Stamped Products, St. Catharines Powertrain Plant, and Woodstock Parts Distribution Centre.
Unifor Local 88 members at the CAMI Assembly Plant in Ingersoll are covered by a separate collective agreement. However, the CAMI plant is currently in the midst of a months long shutdown due to a shortage of batteries.
