Unifor Reaches Tentative Agreement With Ford Motor Company

Unifor’s master bargaining committee announced it reached a tentative agreement with Ford Motor Company, averting a strike at its Canadian operations.­­­­

“I’m very pleased to announce that on behalf of the more than 6,000 members who work at Ford Motor Company, we have negotiated $1.95 billion of investments to retool the Oakville complex to build five models of electric vehicles and bring new product to the engine plant in Windsor,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor national resident.

“Today is an historic day. We are not only talking about solidifying the footprint of the auto industry in the short term, but for the long term. I think it’s fair to say that as an organization we hit a home run,” said Dias.

While details of the tentative agreement will be presented to members at a series of virtual ratification meetings over the weekend, the deal includes significant commitments for Ford’s Canadian manufacturing facilities.

“Up until today, of the $300 billion announced globally in EV investments as the auto industry transforms from combustible engines to battery-electric vehicles, not one nickel had been allocated Canada. But with today’s announcement, that changes,” Dias said.

“I am proud of this bargaining team and grateful for the support and solidarity from our members over these past few weeks of intense talks as we worked hard to set a pattern that secures future jobs for our members, and makes significant wage and benefit gains.”

Dias thanked both federal and provincial governments for funding commitments that were key to landing the new investment, as part of developing a national auto strategy to secure jobs in the sector.

Dias also announced that Fiat Chrysler will be the next Detroit Three bargaining target.

The news conference is available for download here.