Canadian Auto Workers Authorize Strike

Members of Canadian auto worker union Unifor approve going on strike if negotiations with Detroit’s Big 3 break down.

Auto workers in Canada have authorized their union to go on strike against Detroit’s automakers if contract negotiations fall through.

Auto unions typically vote to go on strike, if necessary, to provide negotiators with extra leverage when bargaining for a new contract.

The Canadian auto worker union Unifor has been discussing a new contract with Detroit’s Big Three this month. And its membership has voted overwhelmingly to strike if need be.

The union wants guarantees that the automakers will invest in new products and new jobs at several facilities in Canada which otherwise might close.

Unions also traditionally choose one company as a “target” to concentrate on, developing a contract the other automakers can use as a template.

Unifor officials say they will announce a target company next week.

Author

  • Quinn Klinefelter
    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.