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Workers at NextStar Energy battery factory approved a new three-year collective agreement last week, voting in favour of the new deal reached between the union and the company.<\/p>\n
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The deal makes what Unifor Local 444 calls \u201csignificant gains\u201d that include wage increases, improved benefits and signing bonuses, according to a social media post from the union.<\/p>\n
This is a \u201cwell-deserved agreement for our NextStar Energy members,\u201d the union posted, saying additional gains include \u201cannual inflation protection bonuses, maintained performance bonuses, enhanced skilled trades compensation improved pension contributions and meaningful workplace and language improvements that will benefit our membership for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
NextStar chief operating officer Brett Hillock said in a statement the collective agreement signals stability for NextStar\u2019s long-term presence as \u201cboth a world-class facility, and as Canada\u2019s first and only large-scale battery manufacturer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis clearly demonstrates the power of collaboration and the company\u2019s investment in the future of Canadian manufacturing here in Windsor,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re deeply grateful for Unifor\u2019s ongoing commitment, collaboration and partnership as we move forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
In June, NextStar Energy announced the addition of a new battery pack manufacturing line at its Windsor facility. The expansion added a third production stage to the site\u2019s existing cell and module operations.<\/p>\n
NextStar Energy, a subsidiary of LG Energy Solution, is Canada\u2019s only commercial-scale battery manufacturing facility. The $6-billion plant began commercial cell production in November 2025 and hit the milestone of one million cells produced in February.<\/p>\n