Dear Unifor members,
Yesterday, the President of the United States signed an Executive Order increasing its tariff on Canadian goods not covered by CUSMA to 35%.
This is in addition to the sector tariffs on auto, steel and aluminum, and the softwood lumber duties faced by our forestry sector.
This move is a continuation of a long series of attacks waged by the U.S. administration against Canada and its working people.
It is of the utmost importance that we stand firm and strong, and not allow this economic trade war to condition Canada into taking a bad deal that normalizes tariffs on key sectors in which Unifor members work.
We know yesterday’s news bring worry and concern for Unifor members across the country. This is especially true for Unifor members in trade-dependent sectors, including workers in the auto, manufacturing, forestry, and aluminium sectors.
Just like in a labour dispute, our strength comes from unity and solidarity. In the face of this economic war, we believe that we must organize and fight together.
It is why our union has campaigned for many months to Protect Canadian Jobs, demanded action from all levels of government and from employers, and called for the urgent development of industrial strategies so that Canada can plan to build the things we need here while creating good union jobs.
The U.S. tariffs imposed on Canada puts all of our futures at risk. These tariffs threaten entire sectors in which thousands of Canadians are employed and jeopardize the livelihoods of workers and communities across this country.
For many months, we have been in this fight together–and we must continue.
To do your part in defending Canada’s sovereignty, and protecting Canadian jobs, you can:
- Read the industrial vision developed by each of Unifor’s sectors and see how to apply our demands to your own sector or workplace.
- Speak to your co-workers, employer or member of Parliament about moving forward Unifor’s vision for a strong, resilient Canadian economy.
- Watch our most recent media interventions here, here and here.
- Continue to do your part to support made in Canada production by buying Canadian-made products.
Unifor members know what to do in moments like this: we must stand together, we must organize, and we must fight to hold our ground!
In solidarity,
Lana Payne
National President