Despite expecting difficult negotiations this summer, Unifor Local 444 President James Stewart says he's optimistic about the future of Stellantis in Windsor and Ontario.
The current three-year agreement with Stellantis ends September 20, 2026. Bargaining with the big-three automakers, Ford, Stellantis and General Motors, will begin with Ford at the end of June.
"There's going to be a lot of discussion. Not only about pattern but how we can fully maximize our facilities under the climate we're dealing with in terms of trade with the United States," said Stewart.
Last week, Stellantis announced its plans for several new products between now and 2030 that will focus on affordability. Details on the new vehicles and where they will be built has not been finalized.
"There's absolutely discussions being had. We haven't finalized anything yet but we're working with partners across the US, Canada, Mexico to find the best manufacturing facilities to meet our needs," said Matt McAlear, CEO, Chrysler and Dodge Brands.
Stewart says securing products for the future will be a part of negotiations.
"There's product coming to North America and there's room in our plants to make sure we can fully maximize our plants, including Brampton and Windsor. We have capacity here. We build 1,200 to 1,300 vehicles here, we used to build 1,500. We have room for more here," said Stewart.
He said that because of the current climate, they are expecting more difficult negotiations, but they aren't prepared to make concessions.
"Our members deserve improvements. Our members want improvements. I think there's a realistic expectation by our members, they understand what's happening in the industry but they also know wage cuts, and pension cuts and benefit cuts don't fix the problem," said Stewart.
