The president of Unifor Local 200 says job security will be the number one issue in upcoming auto talks with the Detroit Three automakers.
“I always talk to the members about the importance of our job security, and that’s going to be number one,” says John D’Agnolo.
Speaking on AM800’s The Kyle Horner Show, D’Agnolo says Ford Motor Company made it clear that they wanted to lead bargaining once again.
He says Ford has led bargaining the last couple of years and has committed to their investments in Windsor and Oakville.
D’Agnolo says the union wants to get the best deal possible and thinks Ford is the company to do so.
He says the automakers are hiring now because of bargaining in 2020 and 2023.
“It’s difficult because all you’re thinking about is everybody’s livelihoods are on the line right now when you’re across that table and it’s very difficult,” he says.
D’Agnolo describes the upcoming talks as a ‘challenge.’
“Every leader that’s at that table, if they say they’re not worried, they’re always worried, but we do what we can to do the best for the members, and it will be difficult,” says D’Agnolo.
D’Agnolo, who is also chair of the Ford Master Bargaining Committee, says workers are nervous.
He says Local 200 represents around 2000 members.
Contract talks with Ford will begin on June 22.
If a deal is reached, it will set the pattern for upcoming talks with General Motors and Stellantis.