Newly-elected Unifor President Lana Payne has made Canada’s automotive industry a major priority. On Thursday, a day after Unifor delegates voted her in as President in Toronto, Payne unveiled a new comprehensive policy document on Canada’s auto sector that members of Unifor’s executive have been crafting for a year. It was described as a program for auto workers by auto workers.
The document is entitled Navigating The Road Ahead – Rebuilding Canada’s Powerhouse Auto Sector. The policy outlines a vision for vehicle and parts manufacturing that transforms Canada into a global leader as the world transitions to electric vehicle production. Payne said it is Unifor’s most ambitious effort since the union was established in 2013 and requires consistent effort from the federal government and auto makers.
Included are 29 recommendations grouped under five core pillars: growing the domestic industry, managing the net zero transition, enhancing skills, creating high-quality union jobs and advancing equity and inclusion.
Payne said while the recommendations will be directed toward the federal government, discussions will also take place to provincial and municipal governments, along with indigenous communities since it applies to them as well.
“There’s never been a more important time for governments to solidify and ambitious and comprehensive industrial strategy for this sector – a policy that ensures our investment strategy, along with our trade rules, our infrastructure, our climate policies and, of course, labour market programs are all working in tandem to maximize the benefits for Canada and, especially, for Canadian workers,” said Payne.
Payne stressed that Canada’s auto sector must do a lot better supporting diversity and inclusion.
“It’s a sector that for the most part underrepresents women and workers of colour and must up its game,” she said.
She said the program calls for wider application of employment equity laws and greater incentives to pursue inclusive-hiring strategies.
“We recognize how the shift to EVs and the need for critical minerals intersects with Canada’s path to reconciliation,” said Payne. “Very responsible and consent-driven approaches to mining development are essential. Working collaboratively with indigenous communities and maximizing local economic development for First Nations is a must,”
Payne also said the union is excited to go into bargaining for a new agreement with the major automotive manufacturers in North America because the current pact is a year away from ending.
Flavio Volpe, President of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, said he is also not surprised Payne addressed the automotive industry so quickly into her term.
“It’s one of the main drivers of the Canadian economy and the union still has a large representation with U.S.-based car production in Canada,” said Volpe.
David Adams, President of Global Automakers Canada, said he is also not surprised Payne addressed the automotive industry because it is a focal point.
“I think that’s positive,” said Adams. “I suspect there would be that sort of alignment with a number of things manufacturers have been saying as well about the transition to EVs…From (the union’s) perspective they are going to have a worker adjustment as well in terms of probably smaller work forces and probably work forces with different skill sets. There’s going to be some kind of transition for their constituents. I look at it from the lens that EVs are less complex vehicles, at least from an assembly perspective.”
