# Union Leader Signals Strong Expectations for Auto Industry Bargaining
Lana Payne, the national president of Unifor, didn’t hold back in expressing her expectations for negotiations with General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. As the Detroit Three automakers began bargaining with the union, Payne emphasized that workers’ expectations have risen along with the cost of living. She stressed the importance of the current moment and warned against underestimating its significance.
Recent years have been tumultuous, with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, soaring inflation, increasing corporate profits, and multiple interest rate hikes. Unifor and other unions are now under immense pressure to deliver better wages, benefits, and job stability for workers. As the largest private-sector union in the country, Unifor faces high expectations at the bargaining table.
Since assuming the presidency in August, Payne has been involved in various labor movements, including leading a strike by Metro grocery store workers and launching an organizing campaign for Amazon employees. She has also prioritized bargaining for autoworkers, a crucial sector for Unifor as it aims to secure a position in the green transition.
As the first woman to lead Unifor and the union’s second-ever president, Payne faces unique challenges. She succeeded Jerry Dias, a prominent figure in Canadian politics who secured investments for the auto industry and played a role in negotiating the new North American trade agreement. Payne’s victory in a contested election marked a shift away from the traditional rubber-stamp approach to union leadership.
Payne’s approach reflects a continuation of public-facing leadership within Unifor. She has been vocal about issues such as interest rate hikes and has supported legislation. Payne aims to bridge the perceived gap between the national body and local priorities, seeking to strengthen local power. The union has held numerous sessions with locals and their bargaining committees to ensure a democratic and effective mandate.
Payne’s national bargaining strategy involves creating sector-wide approaches and holding a national bargaining summit. These approaches aim to achieve gains across sectors by establishing significant agreements with one employer, setting a pattern to be replicated at other bargaining tables. The recent strike vote by Metro workers showcased the effectiveness of this strategy, despite workers ultimately rejecting the tentative agreement and continuing the strike.
With high expectations in the auto sector, Unifor’s bargaining coincides with the United Auto Workers (UAW) negotiations in the U.S., a rare occurrence. The UAW, led by a new president, has taken a confrontational stance against the automakers. The timing of both unions’ negotiations presents an opportunity for Canadian autoworkers to achieve significant gains.
Although it is too early to determine Payne’s legacy, many believe that her leadership, along with the UAW’s new approach, could lead to positive outcomes for workers in the auto industry. The negotiations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sector and defining Payne’s tenure as president of Unifor.
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