Strike averted as Unifor secures framework with GM

TORONTO, Sept. 20, 2016 /CNW/ - Strike averted, after around the clock negotiations, as Unifor reached a framework with General Motors that sets a pattern in Detroit Three negotiations.

"This framework puts into motion what will be a historic agreement to secure a future for our members, for our communities and for the auto industry in Canada," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias, who led the negotiations. "At this late hour we have language in place to address our bargaining priorities and there will be no strike."

Unifor and GM will continue to finalize the framework to reach a tentative agreement, the first in the 2016 round of negotiations with the Detroit Three automakers. Unifor indicated that the framework, along with stabilizing jobs with product and investment, recognizes the valuable contribution of the workers.

"The bargaining committee has worked hard to come this far, it is a testament of our hard work and the incredible support shown by members and the public throughout negotiations." said the Unifor GM Bargaining Committee chair, Greg Moffat from Local 222 in Oshawa. "Through the unity of all our locals in bargaining we have stood true to the needs of our members."

Unifor picked GM as the target company on September 6 to set a pattern in its negotiations with the Detroit Three automakers in Canada, GM, Ford and Fiat-Chrysler. A strike deadline was set for Tuesday, September 20. Once the framework is formalized it was create a tentative agreement that members will review and have an opportunity to vote on.

General Motors employs 4,000 Unifor members in Oshawa, St. Catharines and Woodstock making the Impala, Equinox, Buick Regal, Cadillac XTS, and GMC Terrain, as well as engines, transmissions and components. Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers, including about 23,050 Unifor members at the Detroit Three automakers.

SOURCE Unifor

please contact Unifor Communications Director Denise Hammond at [email protected] or (cell) 416-707-5794.