NextStar Energy workers in Windsor ratify first union deal with Unifor, securing a 5% wage hike, benefits, and bargaining power in EV sector growth.
Historic Vote at Canada’s First EV Battery Plant
Workers at NextStar Energy in Windsor, Ontario, have overwhelmingly ratified their first collective agreement, marking a major milestone for Canada’s emerging electric vehicle (EV) sector. The vote, held over the weekend, saw 88% of Unifor members vote in favour of the one-year agreement, according to a news release issued Sunday by the union.
Terms of the Deal Secured by Union
The agreement, which covers approximately 450 production and maintenance workers, includes a 5% wage increase along with significant gains in pensions, wage progression, disability coverage, and health and safety measures. As the facility expands, the workforce is expected to grow to 750 by the end of the year.
Labour Gains Amid Industry Transformation
Unifor national president Lana Payne emphasized the importance of the agreement, noting that negotiating a first contract under current economic and political conditions was especially challenging. “The work of our bargaining committee at NextStar Energy ensures that as the electric vehicle sector grows, good union jobs grow with it,” Payne stated.
Company Response and Future Commitment
NextStar Energy CEO Danies Lee welcomed the agreement as a positive step. “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to labour stability and operational flexibility,” Lee said. He described the deal as a new chapter for the company and reiterated support for the growing workforce at the Windsor facility.
Empowering Workers in a Growing Sector
The deal also officially certifies Unifor and Local 444 as the exclusive bargaining agents for employees at the site. “By ratifying this collective agreement, our members have secured a voice at work and a seat at the table as this industry takes shape in Canada,” said Unifor Local 444 president James Stewart.
Looking Ahead to 2026 Negotiations
The agreement’s one-year term sets the stage for new talks in 2026, aligning with the next round of bargaining between Unifor and the Detroit Three automakers. Union officials say this timing ensures workers at Canada’s first large-scale EV battery cell plant remain strategically positioned in a fast-evolving industry.
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