Union Leaders Urge Action to Keep Workers’ Centre Open Amid Layoffs

Laid-off workers from London’s auto sector are facing an uncertain future as a vital workers’ action centre is set to close shortly amid significant layoffs. The centre, managed by the union Unifor, is scheduled to shut its doors on February 9, 2026, just days away, prompting concerns about the lack of support for retraining and job placement services for affected employees.

The closure follows the announcement from parts manufacturer Autoneum that it will consolidate operations into its Tillsonburg facility, resulting in the loss of more than 130 jobs in London. The action centre, located at the Unifor office on First Street, was initially established after the closure of the Accuride plant last year and later expanded to assist workers from the GM CAMI plant in Ingersoll. With the recent layoffs from Autoneum, union leaders fear this situation may worsen.

Leo Vasquez, the Unifor Unit Chair for Autoneum London, expressed the urgency of the situation. “The ones that are 50 years old, you know you got 15 years before you can even look at retirement, and you have to go find a job the way the economy is now,” he stated. This sentiment echoes the anxiety shared by many workers who are now left without the resources to transition into new employment opportunities.

Union leaders are advocating for the provincial government to extend the operation of the action centre indefinitely. According to Brian Chapman, President of Unifor Local 27, “My fear is, it’s going to get bigger, it’s not just going to be auto. And you can kind of see the signs.” Chapman emphasized the need for immediate action to support workers navigating these changes in the local economy.

On February 3, 2026, Chapman and other Unifor Local 27 executives were joined by Marit Stiles, the Leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP), and local NDP Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) Teresa Armstrong, Peggy Sattler, and Terence Kernaghan. The group convened to discuss the ongoing challenges facing the auto sector, particularly in light of the Autoneum plant closure.

Stiles stated her commitment to pressuring the provincial government to act swiftly, underscoring the importance of the workers’ action centre. “It’s my job as leader of the opposition to continue to pressure the government to take action quickly. The workers’ action centre is a really good example of that. There’s something they could do today and just give them the comfort of knowing that the workers’ action centre is going to be there for them,” she remarked.

As the landscape of the auto industry in London continues to shift, the future of the workers’ action centre remains a critical concern for those affected by the layoffs. The call for support and resources is more urgent than ever, as many employees face the daunting task of finding new employment in an evolving economic environment. The outcome of this situation will likely have lasting implications for the community and its workforce.