Unifor workers vote to approve collective bargaining deal with Ford

81% of workers approved the deal.
Photo: Ford

OAKVILLE, Ont. — Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. says its workers represented by Unifor have voted in favour of a new contract that runs through 2023.

The deal, which was announced by Unifor last week, includes a $1.8-billion investment to build electric vehicles at the company’s plant in Oakville, Ont. and $148 million for Windsor, Ont. powertrain plants.

About 81%  of workers voted in favour of the deal, the union said.

The agreement between Unifor and Ford is expected to set the tone for upcoming contract talks with Fiat Chrysler and General Motors. Unifor said it plans to meet with Fiat Chrysler this week.

Ford said the deal will see more flexible work arrangements and a quicker path for new hires advancing up the ranks. It also includes two 2.5-per-cent raises and a $7,250 ratification bonus for full-time, permanent workers.

Ford Canada chief executive Dean Stoneley said the agreement cements the company’s Canadian business as a leader in advanced automotive manufacturing.

Stoneley also said that “discussions continue with both the federal and provincial governments.” Despite reports that the government was interested in investing in the deal, Unifor national president Jerry Dias declined last week to disclose any specifics amounts tied to the government.

Unifor’s local union leaders endorsed the deal over the weekend and urged workers to ratify the agreement on Sept. 27. John D’Agnolo, chairman of the bargaining committee, described the negotiations as “some very intense weeks of bargaining.”

The deal fulfilled a push by Unifor to get new product commitments and funding toward electric vehicles from the three major Detroit automakers after GM downsized its plant in Oshawa, Ont. last year.

“This is the single biggest investment in the Canadian auto industry in years, providing long-term job security for Unifor members,” Dias said in a statement.