With the onset of the early 1980s recession, the UAW in the United States began granting concessionary contracts to the Big Three automakers. But White refused to engage in concessionary bargaining or to open the Canadian contracts early.
With the beginning of the early 1980s economic downturn, the UAW in the United States initiated concessionary agreements with the Big Three automakers. However, White did not agree to participate in concessionary negotiations or to expedite the Canadian contracts.