Canada's Unifor to select Detroit 3 bargaining target today

Unifor on Tuesday is set to name which Detroit 3 automaker it will bargain with first in order to establish a new pattern agreement the union will use with the remaining two companies.

The deal reached with the first of the trio of U.S. automakers usually serves as a template — or pattern — for contacts with the other two companies.

“I will announce the company that I believe will give Unifor the best chance to address our bargaining agenda and our vision for the industry, including job security issues, new product allocations and economic progress for our members” Unifor National President Jerry Dias said in a statement. “We will also continue to push provincial and federal governments to be active participants in support of our efforts to secure our auto industry’s future. A future made in Canada.”

Contract talks with the Detroit automakers began at a local level in Toronto on Aug. 12.

The union’s membership has voted overwhelmingly to support strike action if needed. If a deal with the targeted automaker can’t be reached by 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 21, Unifor can walk off the job.

The union represents about 9,000 workers at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, 6,300 at Ford Motor Co., and 4,100 at General Motors.