In a recent interview, Cassidy said the union has been pressing the automaker for new product to replace the Dodge Grand Caravan, which will cease production Aug. 22.

Unifor President Jerry Dias says that while there is “a lot of truth” to the notion that the timing of the talks is not ideal, the union remains committed to securing product commitments for FCA plants in Windsor and Brampton and Ford's Oakville factory.

The union says modified ventilation, more break areas and additional cleaning will all be part of the new normal at GM Canada's CAMI assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ont., where the Chevrolet Equinox is made.

Unifor President Jerry Dias said Fiat Chrysler’s Windsor, Ontario, assembly plant is an example of a factory where workers are particularly concerned because the city borders Detroit, which is among the cities hardest hit by the pandemic.