Labor Unions
Unifor President Lana Payne says she hasn’t spoken to UAW President Shawn Fain about the “devastating” impact auto tariffs could have on Canada’s auto industry.
With new U.S. tariffs to take effect in two days, management upheavals at several automakers, Nissan’s worsening finances and all the routine drama in this industry, April Fools' jokes just don’t feel right.
The gain follows a down year in 2023, when membership levels fell to their lowest since 2009.
UAW President Shawn Fain doesn't believe 25 percent tariffs on automotive imports will lead to increased prices or lower profits. Instead, he believes automakers can add "thousands" of U.S jobs within months.
Workers are being offered incentives worth as much as $72,000 to quit.
Unifor Local 200 President John D’Agnolo estimates each truckload of engines would face US$75,000 in duties if they were transported over the border under a 25-per-cent levy.
If the UAW fails to secure a contract by April 30, workers could call for a decertification vote to boot out the union, though labor experts say that's unlikely.
The UAW and President Donald Trump have seldom seen eye-to-eye, but the promise of 25 percent tariffs on products made in Canada and Mexico has created common cause. UAW President Shawn Fain has long been an opponent of free trade agreements, and Fain is one of the few high-profile figures to openly support the president.
The United Auto Workers said March 13 it filed unfair labor practice charges against Volkswagen, saying the automaker is trying to cut jobs at a factory in Tennessee where the union is negotiating its first contract after winning an election there last year.
It’s the first labor deal for Tennessee workers at the joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution since they joined the UAW in September.
