Unifor Shifts Focus to Stellantis and GM After Ford Deal Gets Green Light

When the news broke that Ford’s Canadian workforce had officially ratified their latest collective agreement, the celebration in union halls was palpable. Workers cheered, banners waved, and Unifor’s national president, Lana Payne, praised the deal as a “step forward for Canadian auto jobs.”

But the applause didn’t last long enough for the union to rest on its laurels. In a quick pivot, Unifor’s leadership took the microphone and pointed a firm finger at the other big three automakers – Stellantis and General Motors – urging them to follow Ford’s lead.

“We’ve secured a solid contract for our Ford members, but the fight isn’t over,” Payne said during a recent press conference in Toronto. “Stellantis and GM need to come to the table with real offers that protect Canadian jobs, honor the work our members do, and reflect the cost‑of‑living reality we all face.”

The Ford agreement, which was ratified by roughly 85 % of the represented workers, includes a modest wage increase of 3 % in the first year, followed by a 2 % rise in the second year, plus a guaranteed $2,500 “inflation” bonus. It also secures a commitment to keep a certain number of assembly line jobs in Canada – a point that has long been a sticking‑point in negotiations.

Unifor’s appeal to Stellantis and GM is not just about wages. The union is pressing for stronger job‑security provisions, especially as the industry leans faster into electric‑vehicle production. “Our members are willing to upskill, but they need certainty that their jobs won’t disappear overnight,” Payne added.

Stellantis, which owns the Canadian operations of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram, has yet to comment publicly on the union’s demands. Likewise, General Motors – still in the throes of its own bargaining process with Canadian workers – has signaled that it is reviewing the Ford deal as a benchmark but stopped short of making any concrete promises.

Industry analysts say the pressure from Unifor could accelerate talks, especially as both companies face mounting political pressure to keep manufacturing on Canadian soil. “The government has made it clear it will support any automaker that commits to domestic production,” noted Toronto‑based economist Maya Patel. “If Stellantis and GM want to stay competitive for subsidies and tax incentives, they’ll have to meet or exceed the standards set by Ford’s contract.”

For the rank‑and‑file workers, the message is simple: they want fair pay, secure jobs, and a seat at the table as the sector transforms. As Unifor rallies its members for upcoming meetings, the hope is that the momentum from the Ford ratification will translate into comparable wins at Stellantis and GM.

Only time will tell whether the union’s new target will bite, but one thing is clear – the battle for the future of Canada’s auto industry is far from over.