PowerCo Strengthens Working Relationship With Unionized Trades to Build St. Thomas EV Battery Facility
October 14, 2025
PowerCo and Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that supports the involvement of unionized trades in the construction of PowerCo’s St. Thomas gigafactory.
“This Memorandum of Understanding reflects PowerCo’s commitment to supporting a strong and resilient local workforce and marks an important milestone on our largest global project”, said Mustafa Bulut, COO and interim CEO of PowerCo Canada. “It underscores our shared priorities with CBTU, including supporting local jobs and economic prosperity, while promoting sustainable construction.”
The MoU reinforces a safety-first culture, leveraging Canada’s skilled workforce, and encourages equity in employment. It also outlines a shared vision for the project, including high-quality, cost-effective construction methods to ensure the timely completion of the facility.
“Canada’s Building Trades Unions are proud our members will play a vital role in building the future of sustainable transportation through their work on the new electric vehicle battery manufacturing facilities in St. Thomas”, said Sean Strickland, Executive Director of Canada’s Building Trades Union.
“This project represents more than just an investment in infrastructure—it’s an investment in Canadian skilled trades workers, in good-paying, union jobs, and in a greener economy. Our members bring their world-class skill, training, and commitment to safety to every job site, and this project is no exception. As Canada continues to lead the way in the global transition to low-carbon technologies, unionized construction workers will be there every step of the way—helping to power the future, one project at a time.”
The agreement has been reached as progress on the St. Thomas gigafactory accelerates, with on-site work advancing and a major local recruitment drive underway to fill the thousands of jobs the plant will create.
“We’re proud that the skilled tradespeople of London and the surrounding area will help build and maintain this landmark EV battery facility in Ontario”, said John Gibson, President of London Building Trades and Business Manager IBEW Local 120. “This project is not only a major step forward for clean energy and sustainable transportation, but also a powerful investment in our local workforce. Our members are ready to deliver the quality, safety, and standards that union construction is known for and build a stronger future right here in our community.”