As the first anniversary of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs approaches, Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union, is ramping up its campaign to defend Canadian workers. The union is escalating its call for a national strategy that mandates companies to “Sell Here, Build Here.”
Lana Payne, Unifor National President, voiced the union’s frustrations over the past year’s turmoil, particularly for those in sectors targeted by Trump’s trade war. She explained that Canadian workers, especially those in trade-exposed industries, have been hit hard by economic disruptions and job losses. The tariffs, especially the 25% levies on Canadian-made vehicles, have caused major disruptions in the auto industry.
“The last twelve months saw workers in trade-exposed industries go through hell. We’ve witnessed job losses, with workers left in limbo as Trump continues to hammer our economy,” Payne said.
April 3 marks the first anniversary of the tariffs on Canadian-made vehicles, which were part of a broader trade dispute with the U.S. Since their implementation, there has been a cascade of negative effects on Canada’s economy. General Motors (GM) responded by cutting a third shift at its Oshawa plant, which resulted in the loss of 700 jobs. Additionally, GM closed the CAMI assembly plant in Ingersoll, Stellantis halted the retooling of the Brampton Assembly plant, and Autoneum, an auto parts maker, shut down its London facility. Titan Tool & Die also locked out workers as it prepared to move production to the U.S.
But the damage extends beyond the auto industry. The U.S. tariffs have affected several Canadian sectors, including heavy-duty trucks, aluminum, steel, energy, copper, and forestry. Payne emphasized the ongoing risk to other industries, such as aerospace and industrial equipment, which Trump has threatened with additional tariffs.
Despite some tariffs being lifted, the most damaging ones remain in place, and Unifor is determined to fight back. “Canadian workers have shown incredible resiliency and solidarity throughout this unprecedented trade war,” said Payne. “The fight to defend Canadian jobs and strengthen Canada’s industrial future is far from over.”
In Oshawa, Unifor Local 222 is actively supporting laid-off workers with information sessions, including one with Meta Employment on April 19. Unifor’s “Sell Here, Build Here” campaign is also being driven through social media and billboards, which are urging companies that profit from the Canadian market to invest here, create jobs here, and build here, or face penalties like tariffs and losing Canadian customers.
The union’s call to action includes:
- Strengthening Buy Canadian rules for public procurement
- Requiring companies selling in Canada to invest in Canadian industry
- Increasing financial support for workers in trade-exposed industries
- Using all available tools to stop job offshoring
- Imposing severe penalties on companies that move jobs out of Canada
Despite the difficulties Canadian workers have faced over the past year, Payne remains hopeful. “Sell Here, Build Here is a clear demand to governments and corporations alike: if you want access to Canada’s market, you must invest here, create jobs here, and build here,” she said.
The union is confident that by strengthening Canada’s industrial base, defending jobs, and ensuring that companies contribute to the Canadian economy, the country can build a more resilient economy for future generations.
