Ford, Unifor reach tentative deal affecting Windsor workers

'We look forward to bringing this tentative agreement to our members'

Unifor has reached a tentative contract agreement with Ford Motor Company, covering more than 5,100 unionized workers across Canada, including employees at the Essex Engine Plant and Windsor Annex. The union announced the deal Saturday after negotiations that began June 22. Details of the proposed agreement will be presented to members during ratification meetings scheduled for July 17 to 19.

The agreement applies to workers represented by Unifor locals at Ford facilities in Oakville, Windsor, Paris, Casselman and Leduc, Alta. “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.”

Ford’s Canadian operations include the Oakville Assembly Complex, the Essex Engine Plant, the Windsor Annex and parts distribution centres in Ontario and Alberta. “We look forward to bringing this tentative agreement to our members,” said Unifor Ford Master Bargaining Chair John D’Agnolo, a Windsor-based union representative. “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.”

No details of the proposed contract were released. The agreement follows several weeks of bargaining against the backdrop of uncertainty in north America’s auto industry, including shifting trade policies and ongoing concerns about investment and electric vehicle production. dspalding@postmedia.com