Overview
- The tentative three‑year agreement, reached on July 12, covers more than 5,000 workers at Ford sites including Oakville, the Essex Engine Plant, the Windsor Annex and parts distribution centres in Ontario and Alberta.
- The Unifor Ford master bargaining committee gave the deal unanimous endorsement and ratification meetings for members are scheduled for July 17–19.
- Unifor said the settlement prioritizes job security and pension protections rather than the large wage gains won in 2023 because rising U.S. tariffs, a stalled USMCA renewal and wider geopolitical uncertainty have cut demand and investment.
- Ford avoided a strike that would have risked production at key facilities and gained three years of predictable labour costs as it adjusts product plans and investment, including slowing some electrification moves.
- If ratified, Unifor will use the Ford terms as its opening position with General Motors and Stellantis, a move that could shape contract language on jobs, pensions and future investment across Canada’s auto sector as the industry copes with about 6,000 layoffs through 2026.