Unifor Local 444 strike authorization vote is tomorrow

Unifor Local 444 strike authorization vote is tomorrow at The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor (register 9 a.m., vote from 10). Results Mon Oct. 19. A yes lets the committee call a strike if needed. It does not start one. Plant down Oct. 19, 26 and Nov. 2.

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Unifor Local 444 members at the Windsor Assembly Plant vote Saturday on strike authorization as contract talks with Stellantis remain stalled.

What happens Saturday

AM800 News reported Local 444's notice that hourly and trades members vote in person Saturday, Oct. 17, at The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor. Registration is at 9 a.m. and voting starts at 10 a.m. Results are expected Monday, Oct. 19.

Unifor's national statement says a strike authorization gives the bargaining committee the authority to call a strike if necessary and does not automatically mean a strike will take place. Local 444 president James Stewart has urged members to vote yes, saying a strong mandate matters in bargaining with the company, the Windsor Star reported.

Why talks paused

Unifor said negotiations reached an impasse after a targeted Sept. 11 deadline. The union cites the future of the Brampton Assembly Plant and broader job security for Stellantis members across Canada. Stellantis has said it remains prepared to continue talks toward a negotiated agreement.

Plant downtime

Stellantis said the Windsor Assembly Plant will be down the weeks of Oct. 19, Oct. 26 and Nov. 2, citing consumer demand and tariffs. Local 444 represents more than 6,400 workers at the plant, AM800 reported.