Bargaining Update #5: Delivering a strong strike mandate
Greetings members,
Bargaining with Detroit Three automakers resumed on August 22 at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Toronto. Talks are ongoing between Unifor bargaining committees and all three automakers.
Bargaining will pause this weekend to allow Unifor members to participate in strike votes held by each local union. We often refer to this as members giving their bargaining committee a “strike mandate.”
Delivering the strongest possible strike mandate means union members are providing our bargaining committees with the support they need to negotiate a fair collective agreement. A strong strike mandate also shows support for the demands and priorities put forward by members.
To be clear, voting in favour of authorizing a strike does not necessarily mean that a strike will take place. Instead, it gives Unifor the authority to commence strike action only if necessary.
For these important reasons, Unifor is calling on all members to vote in favour of strike authorization this weekend.
Unifor members should have already received information from their respective local union on how to participate in the upcoming strike authorization votes. If you have not received information about your local strike vote, please contact your local union as soon as possible.
The union will release the results of the strike authorization vote once they become available. Please visit autotalks.ca for official information about the results of the strike mandate votes.
Let’s deliver a strike mandate that clearly shows autoworkers are united in their support for our bargaining committees when negotiations resume on Monday, August 28.
Members are encouraged to direct any questions related to D3 negotiations to [email protected].
In solidarity,
Lana Payne, National President
John D’Agnolo, Ford Master Bargaining Chair
Jason Gale, GM Master Bargaining Chair
James Stewart, Stellantis Master Bargaining Chair