'A stab in the back' - car workers in Canada hit out at US over tariffs

In Windsor, Ontario, car workers are expressing their concerns about new tariffs imposed by the United States, which they fear could jeopardize their livelihoods. Kathryn Lawton and her husband Chad are both employees at Ford, a major automobile manufacturer. Their family has been involved in the car industry for generations, and they take great pride in their work. Kathryn states, 'This is Ford City right here,' emphasizing the significance of their community's connection to the automotive sector. The recent comments made by US President Donald Trump, suggesting that Canada is stealing jobs from America, have left many workers feeling frustrated. Chad Lawton finds this assertion absurd, stating, 'These were never American jobs. These were Canadian jobs. ' He believes that the jobs in Windsor were created and sustained by Canadians, not taken from their American neighbors. Windsor is strategically located just across the border from Michigan, making it a key player in the North American automotive industry. The new tariffs, which impose a 25% tax on foreign-made vehicles, are particularly concerning for workers in Windsor. Cars manufactured in Canada will face higher costs when sold in the US, which could lead to job losses in the region. The tariffs are reduced to 12. 5% for vehicles that contain at least 50% US-made components, but this still poses a significant challenge for Canadian workers. The city has a rich history in automobile manufacturing, with Ford establishing its presence there in 1896 and other companies following suit. Although many factories have closed over the years, Windsor still boasts a strong automotive workforce, with thousands of employees working in the industry. Chad Lawton, who has dedicated 31 years to Ford, expresses his concern about the current crisis, stating, 'I have never seen a situation like this before. ' He recalls the financial crisis of 2008, when major American automakers faced severe losses and required government bailouts to survive. He feels that the current situation is equally alarming, as workers grapple with uncertainty and fear about their future. John D'Agnolo, the president of Unifor Local 200, which represents Ford workers in Windsor, describes the impact of the tariffs as 'havoc. ' He predicts that the economic situation will worsen, leading to a recession. 'People aren't going to buy anything. I gotta tell my members not to buy anything. They gotta pay rent and food for their kids,' he explains. Many workers feel betrayed by the US, which they consider their closest ally. Austin Welzel, a 27-year-old assembly line worker at Stellantis, expresses his feelings of betrayal, saying, 'It seems like a stab in the back. ' Christina Grossi, who has been with Ford for 25 years, shares her fears about losing her job and the impact it would have on her family. She takes pride in her work and worries about losing the sense of purpose it provides. 'You've been doing this job for so long and you really take pride in it,' she says. The tariffs have also become a significant issue in the upcoming Canadian election, scheduled for April 28. Political parties are proposing various plans to support the automotive sector. Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged to create a C$2 billion fund to enhance competitiveness and protect manufacturing jobs. He has also announced counter tariffs on US imports, amounting to C$35 billion. His main rival, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, has promised to eliminate sales tax on Canadian vehicles and establish a fund to assist companies affected by the tariffs. Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, has vowed to use funds from counter tariffs to support workers and prevent manufacturers from relocating to the US. The economy in Windsor is heavily reliant on the automotive industry, and any downturn could have widespread consequences for local businesses. The Penalty Box, a popular restaurant frequented by Stellantis workers, is owned by Van Niforos, who is deeply concerned about the potential fallout from the automotive sector's struggles. 'It's a devastating situation. I don't want to think about it,' he admits. He employs 60 people and fears that if the Stellantis plant were to close, he would be unable to keep them all employed. Chad Lawton, sitting in his office at the local union, reflects on the precariousness of the situation. He believes that the counter tariffs imposed by Canada may not alleviate the current crisis and could potentially worsen it. He hopes for trade negotiations to improve the situation but acknowledges that Canada cannot simply concede. 'I've worked for a Ford Motor Company for almost 31 years, and I have never seen anything close to this,' he states. 'This is all over the map.