Unifor says negotiations will continue throughout night
Unifor says thousands of its members employed by automaker Stellantis are on strike after a contract deal could not be reached by deadline late Sunday.
The union made the announcement just after midnight Monday. It said talks would continue despite its 8,200 members — most of whom are in southern Ontario — going on the picket line.
"We have made progress and we will continue to negotiate through the night," the union said in a statement from national president Lana Payne and other leaders.
LouAnn Gosselin, the head of communications for Stellantis in Canada, said the company was "extremely disappointed."
"We will continue to bargain in good faith until an agreement is reached. We look forward to getting everyone back to work as soon as possible," Gosselin said in a statement.
In Windsor, Ont., picketers faced rain and single-digit temperatures as the strike action began.
"It's pretty miserable out, but we're willing to do what we have to do to fight for what we want," said Shawn Bezaire, strike captain at the main gates of the plant.
Mike D'Agnolo, vice-president of Unifor Local 444, which represents workers in Windsor, was among those on the picket line.
"Our members have made it quite clear what they're worth and our team in Toronto is trying to achieve that for them," D'Agnolo said.
Stellantis, known for brands including Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, is the last of the Detroit Three automakers to negotiate with the union since talks began in August.
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