The head of the union that represents Ford workers at the Windsor Engine Plant says it doesn't matter who Unifor bargains with next, but he does have a preference.
"I would prefer to get it done on behalf of our members so that the apprehension and the wait is over," says Unifor Local 200 president Chris Taylor.
Taylor says he isn't sure who the union will enter talks with next, or even when the announcement will come down. Unifor has just reached a tentative agreement with General Motors, and the ratification vote is on Sunday. The union could wait until the workers accept the contract.
The union was able to secure new investment at General Motors plants in St.Catherines and Oshawa, ending fears the flex assembly plant would close in 2019. Taylor thinks that's a good sign for his members, but admits even with pattern bargaining; there's no sure bets.
"There's no doubt in my mind that Ford isn't going to just show up here and say 'hey okay, let's rubber stamp it' and move on," he says. "There's no guarantee on anything."
However, he says the need at the Windsor Engine Plant is just as great.
"If we don't get some kind of product and investment in Windsor, our future is very insecure."
