Ford agrees with deal for Canadian autoworkers, Unifor ratifies contract

Local union leadership in Canada throughout all Ford Motor locals in both trades and production approved the tentative deal reached between Unifor National and the company, the union said on Sunday.

On Monday, Ford reached a three-year deal with Unifor National that includes wage boosts, bonuses and other benefits for its plant workers in Canada plus a massive financial investment in battery electric vehicles.

Ford is set to spend C$1.95 billion ($1.46 billion) in its Oakville and Windsor plants in Canada as part of a tentative deal with the autoworkers that was announced earlier.

The federal government, together with the Ontario government, is willing to invest in turning the Oakville plant over to the production of electric vehicles, an investment that could keep the plant open for years, a government source confirmed.

Ratification meetings were held on Sunday to consider the tentative agreement’s details and vote results were made available on Monday.

The union voted 81% in support of the collective bargaining contract, which includes $1.5 billion (U.S.) in investments with regards to battery electric vehicle production to Oakville and a new engine derivative to Windsor, Unifor confirmed.

Engines used for the Ford Mustang and Ford F-Series are built in Canada as of now.

The union spotlighted following elements as part of the deal:

• A 5% wage boost over the life of the agreement, together with a 4% lump sum.
• A productivity and quality bonus of $5,418.
• Inflation protection bonuses and significant modifications to the New Hire Program, including an 8-year wage grid, and reinstatement of afternoon and midnight shift premiums.
• A 20% wage differential (re-instated) for skilled trades employees.
• Paid domestic violence leave.
• Racial justice advocacy.