Canadian union Unifor wrapped a very brief strike on Monday after reaching a tentative deal with Stellantis. The union’s actions didn’t even last a full day before workers were notified that the strike had ended.
The resulting deal mimics what we’ve seen offered to the UAW after taking on all three American automakers since mid-September, with the Canadian pay bumps looking a little leaner than the percentages seen in the United States. Still, it’s a pretty good deal yielding Unifor members a noteworthy increase in hourly wages and a shorter path to receive top-level pay.
“The agreement puts in place all the elements of our pattern agreement, the protections autoworkers need throughout the EV transition, and next-generation products our members will build for years to come,” Unifor Stellantis Master Bargaining Chair James Stewart stated.
Unifor says it’s been offered a base hourly wage increase of almost 20 percent for line workers and 25 percent for skilled trades workers over the life of the contract. Cost-of-living adjustments will also be reintroduced by the end of 2024, along with bolstered pension plans, two additional paid holidays, and some fresh bonuses.
The union said the deal followed the pattern agreement reached in discussions with General Motors and Ford Motor Company.
“I am proud of our members at every Stellantis facility for their quick and decisive action during this brief and effective strike action,” Said Unifor national President Lana Payne. “This agreement will considerably improve the living standards of every Unifor member at Stellantis.”
The two new paid holidays will be “Family Day” and the “National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.” There will also be a $10,000 (CA) Productivity and Quality bonus for full-time employees and $4,000 (CA) for Temporary Part Time.
Unifor estimates the average Canadian “production assembler” will be paid roughly $44.50 per hour at the top rate by the end of the three-year contract. This is in addition to a forecasted cost of living allowance of $1.61 per hour. A “journeyperson” (journeyman) or skilled trades worker will be paid just under $56 per hour in addition to cost-of-living adjustments of their own.
The deals have yet to be ratified by union members, at which point a comprehensive list of the terms will be made public.
[Image: Unifor]
Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.
