Contract talks between Unifor and General Motors are underway in Toronto.
"We're entering this next round of negotiations with the solid foundation established by the pattern agreement with Ford," said Unifor National President Lana Payne. "We intend to have meaningful discussions on company operations and the future of auto jobs at GM in Canada."
Unifor represents 2,750 workers at the GM plant in Oshawa, 1,050 at the idled CAMI plant in Ingersoll, 700 at the St. Catharines Propulsion Plant, and another 110 at the Parts Distribution Centre in Woodstock.
Unifor ratified a three-year agreement with Ford last month. The agreement awarded workers a three per cent wage increase in each year of the deal, better pensions and benefits, and an agreement to invest in the Essex Engine Plant.
The union hopes to reach an agreement with General Motors by August 21.
"Our members expect the Ford pattern to be respected and these talks to give certainty about the future of their facilities," said Unifor General Motors Master Bargaining Committee Chair, Trevor Longpre. "Our bargaining team is ready to work towards a tentative agreement that respects our members and delivers for their families and their communities that depend on these jobs."
Once Unifor has ratified its agreement with GM, it will move on to talks with Stellantis.
