The president of Unifor Local 444 is urging all levels of government to continue pushing against tariffs despite the pause on those affecting the auto sector until April 2.
"There's no way this is a good thing. Is it fortunate that we got another 30 days, sure I'm not going to say that's not a good thing. But, overall it's not. It's not acceptable. It's not the resolve and Canada has to keep pushing," said James Stewart, Unifor Local 444 president.
He indicated he is in constant contact with Stellantis and representatives of the provincial and federal governments.
"This is an attack on Canada and our government has to use every tool in their toolbox. Every tool, not just tariffs, every tool they have to protect Canadians. Protect our jobs, protect our economy and that's what we're talking to them about," said Stewart.
He's also talking to Stellantis about operations at the Windsor Assembly Plant. Stewart says he recognizes that it's hard for officials to give them direct answers when there is so much uncertainty.
"I can tell you it would happen relatively quick for parts. Any parts in the system would obviously get finished but new parts, if the company is just losing money in order to supply a part, it doesn't make sense for them to continue," said Stewart. "You'd see parts shortages happen across the industry, both in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico. So it could happen quickly, three to 10 days, it could happen that quick."
Despite the reprieve from tariffs until April 2, the federal and provincial governments have continued countermeasures.
The federal government has paused implementation of a second wave of tariffs, however tariffs remain in place for $30 billion in goods imported from the United States.
The LCBO has not restocked shelves with alcohol from the United States.
