MONTREAL- Unifor is encouraged by Ford’s commitment to invest in a battery cathode plant in Bécancour, Quebec, alongside Korean companies EcoProBM and SK On.

As the union representing 37,000 auto workers across the country, including Ford workers, Unifor welcomes this further commitment to re-invigorate Quebec’s auto industry and anchor the electric vehicle transition in Canada.

“Ford’s investment announcement in Bécancour is an important step towards the reestablishment of a stronger and more sustainable automotive industry in Quebec and Canada,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “Every job along the automotive supply chain has the opportunity to translate significant economic benefit not only to workers and their families, but also to its surrounding region, and our country.”

The facility, to be built by the consortium EcoPro CAM Canada is due to open in 2026 and is set to bring 300 new jobs to the region. This investment joins a series of battery projects already announced or under construction, including a GM facility in the region.

“Quebec has a significant history in automobile construction, both in assembly and parts manufacturing, which is somewhat forgotten today. The cumulative announcements made in the Bécancour region herald a true renaissance of this economic sector in Quebec,” said Daniel Cloutier, Unifor Quebec Director.

On August 10, 2023, Unifor officially opened contract negotiations with Ford, General Motors and Stellantis on behalf of union members at the Detroit Three.

The union remains committed to ensuring that every automotive job in Canada should be a good, union job.

The union’s automotive policy, Navigating the Road Ahead, includes 29 strategic recommendations to build a strong auto sector, and create good, union jobs.

REGINA—Unifor has uncovered more contracting out of permanent, unionized jobs on the site simplyhired.ca, the fourth such discovery this year by the union.

“Scott Moe needs to answer to SaskTel customers and the people of Saskatchewan: why the rush to replace good jobs with low-bid contractors and out-of-province firms?” said Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director.

The latest job posting for a “Major Telecom Sales Representative” at Berks Payment Solutions is work that has historically been done by full-time SaskTel employees, says Mike Pilipow, President of Unifor Local 2-S.

“This is union work, pure and simple,” said Pilipow. “Contracting sales representative work to a third party is part of a dangerous pattern at SaskTel under the Sask Party that results in lower job security for workers and poor service for the customer.”

Earlier this year, Unifor raised concerns about contracting out of union work at SaskTel, including it’s SecurTek division and DirectWest.

“Unbridled contracting out will be dealt with at the bargaining table during our next contract talks, you can count on that,” said Pilipow. “Until this is resolved in the collective agreement, the government should protect good jobs with a moratorium on contracting out at SaskTel.”