Stellantis workers set to vote on potential strike action

TORONTO — Stellantis workers in Canada are set to vote this weekend on whether to authorize a strike as their union says contract negotiations with the automaker remain at a standstill.

Unifor is holding the votes today and Sunday and plans to announce results at the start of next week.

However, the union representing more than 9,000 Stellantis workers in Canada said it is hoping to avoid a potential strike.

It said authorization for job action would provide leverage to help reach a negotiated agreement.

“A strike authorization gives the bargaining committee the authority to call a strike if necessary, it does not automatically mean a strike will take place,” said a statement last week signed by Unifor national president Lana Payne and other members of the union's bargaining committee.

“Strike action remains a last resort, but the ability to strike is an important part of collective bargaining and can help create the conditions for an agreement.”

The previous collective agreement between Stellantis and the union expired Sept. 20 without the two sides coming to terms on a new tentative deal.

— The Canadian Press