U.S. and Canadian Auto Unions Clash Over Trump’s Tariffs, Exposing Deep Divide

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union in the U.S. has thrown its support behind President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico, while Canada’s Unifor strongly opposes them—marking a sharp split between two unions that once shared the same foundation.

The UAW praised Trump’s trade policies, calling them a necessary step to reverse decades of job losses in the American auto sector. “We are glad to see an American president take aggressive action on ending the free trade disaster that has dropped like a bomb on the working class,” the union stated. In contrast, Unifor National President Lana Payne dismissed this stance as “naive,” arguing that Canada’s auto industry cannot absorb such tariffs without causing significant economic repercussions.

Experts warn that the tariffs are unlikely to revive American manufacturing as the UAW hopes. Instead, they could wreak havoc on the highly integrated North American auto supply chain, raising costs and leading to job losses on both sides of the border. Wayne Lewchuk, professor emeritus at McMaster University, noted that U.S. auto workers have suffered decades of layoffs and wage stagnation, making them receptive to protectionist policies. “They’ve lost a lot of jobs, salary, and benefits,” he said, explaining the appeal of Trump’s trade agenda.

The rift between UAW and Unifor dates back to the 1980s when Canadian auto workers split from the U.S. union to form the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW), later rebranded as Unifor. While the UAW shifted towards a more concessionary approach to labor negotiations, Canadian workers maintained a more militant stance. The passage of NAFTA in the 1990s exacerbated tensions, as automakers moved production to Mexico, further fueling American job losses and discontent among UAW members.

The UAW’s political shift is also a key factor. After years of corruption scandals, the union restructured its leadership election process, leading to the rise of Shawn Fain. Under his leadership, the UAW secured historic wage increases in 2023 and played a major role in the 2024 presidential race, ultimately endorsing Kamala Harris, who lost key industrial swing states to Trump. Facing a membership increasingly aligned with Trump’s economic populism, the UAW’s embrace of tariffs reflects a broader shift in American labor politics.

Automotive industry experts, however, argue that free trade agreements have been crucial to maintaining stability in North America’s economy. “Trying to disentangle the deeply interconnected supply chains would imperil both economies,” said Peter Frise, an industry expert at the University of Windsor. He warned that tariffs of 25% or more could push companies—particularly smaller suppliers—to the brink of collapse, leading to widespread job losses.

Unifor, for its part, wants a renegotiation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to focus on “fair trade” rather than “free trade,” ensuring stronger labor protections. Payne insists that trade will continue regardless, but policymakers must ensure that agreements work in favor of workers rather than corporations. “If that is your lens, then you will get a trade agreement that lifts the living standards of workers,” she said.

As the debate over trade intensifies, the divide between UAW and Unifor highlights a broader struggle within labor movements in North America—one shaped by political shifts, economic realities, and the uncertain future of global trade.