Canadian Auto Union Threatens Strike

Unifor, the union representing auto workers in Canada, says strike possible if automakers outsource more jobs.

Union leaders in Canada say they may go on strike if Detroit’s Big Three automakers close several production facilities in the country.

The head of the union representing auto workers in Canada, Unifor, says the major issue for his membership in 2016 is not wages, it’s retaining jobs.

The union says several auto factories could be closed including a Ford engine plant in Windsor.

Labor leaders say that could cost Canada thousands of auto jobs.

So union officials say they will not agree to any new contract that does not “solidify the footprint” of the auto industry’s presence in Canada.

Analysts say the number of automotive jobs in Canada declined by more than eight percent between 2008 and 2015, as car companies moved production to countries with lower labor costs.

Author

  • Quinn Klinefelter is a Senior News Editor at 101.9 WDET. In 1996, he was literally on top of the news when he interviewed then-Senator Bob Dole about his presidential campaign and stepped on his feet.