Two-day strike at Oshawa’s AG Simpson Automotive ends with new three-year contract

Unionized workers at Oshawa auto parts supplier AG Simpson Automotive ratified a new collective agreement Wednesday after a two-day strike, sending about a hundred employees back to work.

The three-year contract negotiated between AG Simpson and Unifor includes substantial wage increases along with health care benefit improvements and enhancements to the pension programs.

“Congratulations to the dedicated bargaining committee for securing this contract,” said Lana Payne, Unifor National President. “At a time when workers are rising up and demanding better, this agreement shows us what is possible when workers stand together.”

In addition to these highlights, the contract also strengthens seniority language, increases holiday time, and provides annual cost of living lump sum payments.

“There’s a lot of attention being paid to Detroit 3 bargaining right now, and for good reason, but I’m really proud of what we were able to accomplish with an independent auto supplier. These are big gains that set a standard for the future,” said Jeff Gray, President of Unifor Local 222.

AG Simpson makes bumpers and other products for General Motors (GM) and other clients. The company was GM’s 2017 Supplier of the Year.

Unifor Canada’s is largest private sector union, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy, and will be representing auto workers in talks with GM, Ford and Stellantis this fall.

Meanwhile, the United Auto Workers south of the border announced the union and Detroit’s Big Three automakers remain far apart in contract talks, and the union is preparing to strike.

UAW President Shawn Fain said the three automakers have raised initial wage offers but have rejected many of the union’s other demands.

The strike mandate deadline is midnight tonight (Thursday).

Photo credit Unifor