Ford of Canada and Unifor have reached a new globally competitive national labour agreement establishing Ford as the first automotive manufacturer in Canada to build fully battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as part of a C$1.8-billion investment.
Based on the collective agreement ratified by employees today, Ford is committing to transform its Oakville Assembly Complex from an internal combustion engine (ICE) site to also become a BEV manufacturing facility, starting in 2024, as well as introducing a new engine program at its Windsor operations.
Employees have also voted in favour of the three-year agreement that enable several operational improvements to increase the efficiency of Ford’s Canadian facilities, including:
– Competitive alternative work schedules to maximize production flexibility
– Enhanced temporary employee program
Ford of Canada’s hourly employees also receive a number of benefits, including:
– 2.5% wage increase twice over the life of the agreement
– C$7,250 ratification bonus for full-time permanent employees and $500 for temporary employees
– Reduced grow-in period for new hires from 11 years to eight years
“Working collaboratively with Unifor, and as discussions continue with both the federal and provincial governments, this agreement is an important step toward building a stronger future for our employees, our customers and our communities,” said Dean Stoneley, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. “By introducing battery electric vehicle production at Oakville Assembly Complex, we are cementing our Canadian operations as a leader in advanced automotive manufacturing.”
