TORONTO – The union representing Canadian workers at the Detroit Three automakers have voted to approve strike action if needed in their contract negotiations.

In votes that took place over the weekend, Unifor says workers at General Motors voted 95.3 per cent in favour, while those at Ford Motor Co. voted 96.4 per cent in favour.

Workers at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles FCA voted 98.4 per cent in favour of strike action.

Unifor began formal contract talks with the automakers in Toronto on Aug. 12.

The union says it plans to announce on or around Labour Day the company designated as the strike target.

It says it will continue talks with that company until reaching a deal and no later than the strike deadline on Sept. 21 at 11:59 p.m.

“Our members voted overwhelmingly to support their bargaining committees and our bargaining priorities, including; job security, product commitments and economic gains for all members,” Unifor national president Jerry Dias said in a statement.

“We will continue to push our agenda at the bargaining table, but remind government that they have an active role to play in securing our auto industry’s future. A future made in Canada.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 31, 2020.