The clock is ticking on General Motors Canada and Canadian automotive union Unifor to reach a new four-year labor agreement. According to Automotive News, Unifor does have a friend in the United Auto Workers union, though.
UAW President Dennis Williams stated the UAW will back Unifor during the ongoing negotiations and provide support wherever is deemed necessary. But, Williams stated he was confident both Unifor and GM would reach a conclusion that is “best for both parties” by the September 19 contract expiration date.
Unifor has authorized a strike of around 4,000 workers in Canada if a deal is not reached by the 19th, which could have ripple effects in the United States. Williams denied to comment on if the UAW would be willing to pick up extra work should GM try to reallocate production output to the U.S.
“I don’t want to comment on that because I don’t know what it will bring us, but we’ll do whatever we can to help (Unifor) in any way we can,” Williams said.
Unifor President Jerry Dias stated he expects the UAW to “respect any action” the union takes and not replace work from Canadian facilities.
Unifor has previously stated it will not sign off on a new labor contract until it has a guarantee from GM for additional investment and new product production at the Oshawa Assembly plant.
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