Union, Ford employees in Oakville, reach tentative deal

Unifor has reached a tentative agreement with Ford Motor Company after two weeks of contract talks with the Oakville-based automaker to set a ‘pattern’ for future deals with GM and Stellantis.

The three-year deal still has to be ratified by union members and by Ford management;

“Securing this tentative agreement comes at a vital time for Canada’s auto workers and our domestic industry,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “Every member of our bargaining committee came to the table resolved to reach a fair deal that protects good union jobs in the most challenging of economic times.”

The new tentative agreement covers 5,150 unionized workers at Ford facilities across the country, including employees at Oakville Assembly, Windsor Annex and Essex Engine Plants and parts distribution centres in Paris and Casselman in Ontario and Leduc, Alberta.

“We look forward to bringing this tentative agreement to our members,” said Unifor Ford Master Bargaining Chair John D’Agnolo. “Our members put in the work on the shop floor every day, and our entire negotiating team made sure that work was recognized at the bargaining table.”

Negotiations between Unifor and Ford began on June 22. Specifics of the tentative agreement will be presented to members at ratification meetings to be held July 17-19th.

The tentative agreement received the unanimous endorsement of the Unifor Ford Master Bargaining Committee.