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Canadian workers at Detroit’s ‘Big Three’ automakers authorize union strike mandate

Assembly line worker at GM's CAMI plant in southwestern Ontario. (The Canadian Press)

TORONTO – The union representing workers at the Canadian operations of the major American automakers has received a strike mandate from its members as it prepares to negotiate contracts.

Unifor says its members at General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Fiat Chrysler Automobile voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action to back contract demands.

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Unifor President Jerry Dias says the clear mandate shows full support for the union’s bargaining committees.

READ MORE: Why contract talks with the ‘Detroit Three’ automakers are so critical for Canada

He says the union won’t accept deals with any of the three automakers unless they show a commitment to invest in Canada’s auto sector.

The union is threatening job action if it doesn’t get an agreement before midnight on Sept. 19.

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Dias says the three companies have done well financially since the last contracts were negotiated four years ago and it’s time to reward workers.

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