Overview
- Union members approved the three‑year contract on Sunday with 74% support for the master agreement and near‑unanimous backing at two locals.
- The deal delivers 3% annual wage increases for a cumulative 9%, a C$10,000 ratification bonus for eligible full‑time workers, higher pension and benefit rates, and higher top hourly pay.
- Ford pledged C$1.25 billion in targeted Canadian investments, including about C$700 million for the Essex Engine Plant to boost 5.0‑litre and 7.3‑litre V8 output and C$550 million tied to Oakville production.
- The agreement renews a no‑closure guarantee through the contract, includes a pathway to return laid‑off Oakville workers by July 1, 2027, and forecasts a third shift at Essex by 2029 to support increased V8 production.
- Unifor will open pattern bargaining with General Motors on Aug. 10 to seek similar terms for GM and Stellantis, but analysts warn that U.S. tariffs and proposed USMCA rule changes could undercut the business case for the announced investments and job guarantees.