Unifor, representing nearly 19,000 Canadian auto workers, is entering what it describes as the most significant round of bargaining in its history. With current collective agreements set to expire in September, talks with Ford Motor Co. will launch negotiations in Toronto, followed by Stellantis and General Motors. This round occurs amid ongoing tariffs and trade uncertainties directly affecting the sector.
The 25 percent U.S. tariff on vehicles and parts not manufactured in the U.S. remains a major hurdle. Although CUSMA-compliant parts currently avoid these tariffs, the final outcome of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement review, due July 1, is still uncertain. Unifor maintains the pressure on these external factors is unprecedented, forcing them to act proactively rather than wait for external resolutions.
Unifor's national president identified Ford as the most stable employer among the Detroit Three automakers since the tariffs began, citing continuous operation of Ford’s Windsor engine plants and a significant ongoing investment in Canadian facilities. However, the landscape remains precarious as more than 6,000 auto manufacturing jobs have vanished since early 2025, including idling of General Motors’ Ingersoll and Stellantis’ Brampton assembly plants.
This wave of job losses and production halts reflects wider industry challenges, including the competitive threat posed by the influx of Chinese electric vehicles into Canadian markets. The union emphasizes that job security will be a central focus throughout negotiations, seeking safeguards against further erosion of the workforce amid the trade tensions.
Reflecting on prior crises, Unifor acknowledges that while past recessions almost shattered the industry, today’s tariff-driven trade conflict holds the potential for far deeper, long-term impacts. The stakes for Canada’s auto sector remain high as the union attempts to secure stable conditions in an increasingly volatile environment.