First, Congratulations on the wage increase, and the shift premium promise! Let's turn temporary fixes into permanent, enforceable gains.Together.

You may have received a letter from Plant Manager Luc Hamel about the union drive. Let’s take a moment to look at the facts—because this letter deserves honesty and clarity.

🔍 1. “Unions make promises, but guarantee nothing.”

The truth: No one can guarantee anything—but with a union, you can negotiate for everything. Without a union, only the employer decides what to give or take away. With a union, you and your coworkers are at the bargaining table, with the legal right to negotiate wages, benefits, safety, and job protections. That’s not a promise—it’s a legal process under Ontario law.

🖊️ 2. “A union card just triggers a vote.”

Yes, and that’s the point. Signing a card is a legal and private way to support your right to have a vote on whether you want to unionize. The employer never gets to see who signed, and it’s your democratic choice to decide what’s best for your future.

Unifor organizers are honest about what signing means. Workers are signing because they want a voice—not because anyone’s pressuring them. Let’s be clear: it’s pressure-free—but it’s powerful.

❓ 3. “Ask questions”

Absolutely—ask away. That’s what union organizing is all about: getting the facts, having conversations, and making an informed choice with your coworkers. You deserve answers. You also deserve:

• A clear understanding of your legal rights
  
  
• Information about dues (which are only paid after you vote and get a contract)
  
  
• Facts about how unions have improved conditions for workers at other plants—right here in Ontario

🤝 4. “We don’t need a union—we’re a team.”

That’s the classic line. And it usually comes after workers start organizing. If the company truly believed in a “team” approach, they would have offered better pay, more respect, and safer conditions before you took action.

Let’s be honest: Gains made recently only came because you started organizing.

And let’s be clear: Unifor isn’t a third party— it’s you and your coworkers acting together. You elect your representatives. You vote on your contract. You decide what to fight for.

🛑 What the Company Won’t Say

They won’t mention that without a union:

• You have no legal say in decisions about layoffs or closures
  
  
• Management can change wages, benefits, or schedules at any time
  
  
• You can’t enforce your rights if something goes wrong

✅ What You Get with Unifor

• Legally binding wage increases
  
  
• Seniority and job protection
  
  
• Health & safety rights
  
  
• Grievance procedure you control
  
  
• Advance notice and protection from plant closures
  
  
• A real voice at work

This campaign is about respect, fairness, and a seat at the table. It’s about you having power, not just company promises.

Let's not let fear or vague statements decide your future. Talk to your coworkers. Ask questions. And know that thousands of workers across the Oshawa region—including GM Oshawa, Auto Warehousing Canada, Lear and other auto sector workers—are standing with you.

You are not alone.
You are organizing for something better.
And that’s worth standing up for.