NextStar Energy reaches historic agreement with Unifor Local 444

NextStar Energy has reached a tentative agreement with Unifor Local 444, covering approximately 500 workers at its east Windsor EV battery facility. The deal, which sets a precedent for Canada's electrified sector, will be ratified through a vote on Sunday. Workers will receive details of the agreement, including the term length, before the vote.

NextStar Energy has reached a tentative agreement with Unifor Local 444, covering approximately 500 workers at its east Windsor EV battery facility. The deal, which sets a precedent for Canada's electrified sector, will be ratified through a vote on Sunday. Workers will receive details of the agreement, including the term length, before the vote.

The tentative agreement comes after months of negotiations between Unifor Local 444 and NextStar Energy. The union and the company began meeting in November 2024 and formed a bargaining committee in January 2025. The negotiations have been ongoing since then, with workers feeling insecure due to the current economic climate and political shifts in green energy policies [1].

The tentative agreement covers only NextStar employees and not those contracted out to construct the facility. The facility, which produces batteries, cells, and modules, employs a wide range of skilled workers, including those in technology, quality control, and maintenance [1].

The ratification vote is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday at the Ciociaro Club. Workers are reminded to bring their work badges. Prior to the vote, workers will be informed of the details of the tentative agreement, including the term length [1].

Meanwhile, General Motors (GM) is also making significant strides in the EV battery sector. Later this year, GM plans to start switching its Tennessee battery plant’s production lines to low-cost LFP EV batteries. This move is part of GM’s broader strategy to increase consumer EV choice while achieving significant battery pack cost savings compared to today’s high-nickel battery pack [2].

References:
[1] https://www.am800cklw.com/news/tentative-agreement-reached-between-unifor-local-444-and-nextstar.html
[2] https://www.evmechanica.com/gm-plans-affordable-lfp-ev-battery-production-in-tennessee/