Unifor to name negotiating target next week in talks with automakers

Uniforsays it will announce on Sept. 6which one ofFord, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler will be its target company in the opening round of negotiations for a new collective agreement.

Announcement of the bargaining target is set for 10 a.m. ETin Toronto.

The union, which says its represents more the 23,000Canadians workersat the Detroit Three,typically names a target company that sets the pattern for bargaining with the rest of the industry.

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• Canadian auto industry facing big challenges as contract talks begin with Detroit 3
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Unifor says it is looking for the Detroit Three to commit to investing in Canada facilities.

In an interview with CBC News, Unifornational president Jerry Dias said the union has concerns for thefutureof Ontario plants General Motors in Oshawa, Ford in Windsor and FiatChrysler in Brampton, .

"There is a lot at stake in this set of negotiations, and we need to solidify the footprint this time around," he said.

The key issue is not wages and benefits, but it's "making sure that our plants remain openand build [vehicles] for the short term and the long term," Dias added.

Earlier this week, the union said it hadreceived a strong strike mandate from its members as it prepares to negotiate contracts.

The union hasthreatened job action if it doesn't get an agreement before midnight on Sept. 19.