Lana Payne Re-elected as Unifor President

Protecting auto jobs is the first and biggest battle for newly re-elected Unifor president Lana Payne, according to labour expert Steven Tufts, a professor at York University. Her ability to safeguard the auto sector will signal her effectiveness to the union membership.

Unifor National President at the Unifor’s Constitutional Convention in Vancouver this week. (Unifor)

Payne, the first woman to lead the union, was re-elected in a landslide victory. She has been vocal on issues like tariffs and industrial policy, which are critical as the trade war with the U.S. intensifies.

The Stakes for Windsor and Beyond

Windsor, Ontario, often feels the brunt of economic turbulence due to its deep ties to auto and manufacturing. As Tufts notes, "Windsor always takes the first punch," highlighting the urgency for unions to adapt. In today's trade war environment, unions lack the leverage they once had in free trade systems to bargain for job protection.

Steven Tufts is a York University professor who studies labour and the auto sector. (CBC News)

Herman Rosenfeld, a retired Canadian Auto Workers staffer, emphasized that the auto sector's survival in Canada is at a critical juncture, and Unifor must do everything possible to prevent its decline.

The Need for Strong Industrial Policy

Unions have long advocated for a robust industrial policy to create more high-value jobs in Canada. Historically, Canada has focused on exporting raw materials rather than processing them domestically, which means the U.S. often handles value-added manufacturing. This approach is detrimental to workers, as higher-value jobs require better skills and offer higher wages.

Payne, in a union release, stated, "We must protect Canadian jobs with everything we have. We have workers to defend, jobs to protect, and a country and economy to get on track." She declined an interview but reaffirmed the union's commitment to being a progressive force for Canada.