Canada's Unifor members ratify 3-year deal with Ford

Canadian auto union Unifor said its members at Ford Motor's Canadian operations have ratified a new three-year collective agreement, securing annual wage increases, pension improvement provisions and job security measures.

Here are some details:

• The agreement, which takes effect on Sept. 21, 2026, and expires on Sept. 19, 2029, includes wage gains of 3% in each year of the contract.
• The union also said it has reached an agreement with Ford to create a program for laid-off workers at the Oakville plant that is aimed at providing a pathway to full employment, with a target completion date of July 1, 2027.
• The vote concludes Unifor's bargaining with Ford, the first of Detroit's Big Three automakers to reach a new deal after the union opened contract talks last month with Ford, General Motors GM.N and Stellantis STLAM.MI.
• The deal also includes renewed cost of living adjustments and first-year bonuses of C$10,000 ($7,135.72) for productivity and quality and C$2,000 in December bonuses.
• The deal's job security provisions include the renewal of a no closure agreement and program commitments at all Ford facilities, including a third shift at the Essex Engine plant forecasted for 2029.
• Unifor Ford members covered under the Master Agreement voted 74% in favour. Salaried Bargaining Unit members at local units 240 and 1324 voted 97% and 100%, respectively.

($1 = 1.4014 Canadian dollars)