What is collective bargaining?
Collective bargaining is the process whereby unions (a collection of workers) and employers negotiate wages, benefits, hours of work and other workplace conditions.
The result is a collective agreement, often referred to as a “union contract” - a legally binding contract between the union and employer that can only be changed if both sides agree.
Unifor (and its predecessor unions) have negotiated collective agreements with the Detroit Three automakers in Canada for more than 80 years. These agreements are typically three years in length.
Prior to its expiry, the union and employer return to the bargaining table to negotiate changes or improvements to the collective agreement. Any proposed change must be agreed to by both sides. When the union and employer reach a tentative agreement, it must be brought to the union members for review and vote at a ratification meeting.
In 2026, Unifor will negotiate the renewal of collective agreements with Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, covering Unifor-represented workers at their Canadian facilities.
