Unifor members at Ford Canada have ratified a new three-year agreement, with 54 per cent of members voting in favour of the contract.
“Our bargaining team showed exceptional leadership and successfully pushed Ford of Canada on every front,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “This contract will change lives in a profound way. It fundamentally transforms pension plans, provides protections during the EV transition and includes the highest wage increases in the history of Canadian auto bargaining.”
The vote was taken Sunday morning and sets the pattern for the remaining negotiations with Stellantis and General Motors.
The contract includes general wage increases in each year of the agreement. There's a 10 per cent increase in year one effective September 25, 2023, a 2 per cent increase in 2024, and a 3 per cent increase in 2025. Employees will also be given a $10,000 signing bonus.
“We know this is a challenging time for all workers and this agreement tackles the affordability issues so many face today,” said Ford Master Bargaining Chair John D’Agnolo. “I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished, and that the membership voted for a contract that will set a new standard for autoworkers for years to come.”
As part of the negotiations, additional capacity at the Essex Engine Plant was agreed upon. Additional capacity for the 7.3L engine is scheduled to be added to Essex Engine Plant with facility upgrades planned to start in late 2025. Tooling installation is anticipated to begin in late 2026 with the launch planned for the first quarter of 2028.
Income security during the transition to electric vehicle manufacturing was identified as a priority during the bargaining process, particularly for employees of Ford in Oakville.
"Our Unifor-represented autoworkers are the heart of Ford of Canada," said Bev Goodman, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. "This contract invests in our talented and dedicated employees, who remain consistently focused on the critical work of assembling our vehicles, building our engines and components, improving customer satisfaction, and expediting parts delivery service to our more than 400 dealers."
The contract also includes benefit upgrades, health and safety agreements, and pension improvements.
The collective agreement covers more than 5,600 workers at Ford facilities in Canada.