(Toronto) Unifor has chosen Ford Motor to begin discussions that should ultimately lead to new collective agreements at the Big Three American automakers.

The union’s national president, Lana Payne, said negotiations with Ford would serve as a model for workers at the other two giants, General Motors and Stellantis, as the union focused on securing investment in electric vehicle production.

She said at a press conference in Toronto on Tuesday that she was encouraged by Ford’s transparency with the union in key areas, but warned that workers were prepared to strike if necessary.

Unifor members at Ford have voted 98.9% for a strike if the bargaining committee fails to secure a new collective agreement.

The union launched talks with U.S. automakers earlier this month as contracts for the Detroit Three’s 18,000 workers are due to expire on September 18.

Ford had been chosen as the target company during the 2020 auto sector negotiations.