The unionized workers at Ford’s Canadian operations have ratified the three-year agreement that was negotiated between their union and the automaker.

Both Ford Motor Company of Canada and Unifor announced the collective bargaining agreement was ratified on July 19.

Unifor, which represents more than 5,000 hourly Ford workers in Oakville, Windsor and Essex, said 74 per cent of the union’s members approved the deal it negotiation with Ford.

“Our members have ratified a strong agreement that delivers real gains and much needed stability despite unprecedented challenges facing Canadian autoworkers and the entire industry,” said Unifor national president Lana Payne, in a news release. “Negotiating during a crisis is never easy, but our driving goal was to make a wide range of improvements for all of our members building on the gains made in 2023.”

What the workers get

The hourly workers will gain a three per cent raise in each of the three years of the agreement.

Eligible full-time employees will receive a $10,000 signing bonus and temporary workers will get a $2,000 signing bonus.

The automaker will also provide a $10,000 special payment for members on indefinite layoff at the Oakville assembly plant.

By the final year of the agreement, full-rate production workers’ wages will be $50.20 per hour, while skilled trades workers’ wages will be $62.71 per hour.

The starting base wage for new hires will be on an adjusted wage progression schedule.

The union and Ford also agreed to introduce a program that provides laid off workers from the Oakville plant a pathway to full employment with a target completion date of next Canada Day, July 1, 2027.

Union members also get increases in Retirees Universal Healthcare Allowance payments, including extended payments to include surviving spouses.

Ford investments in Canada

Ford is doing more than giving its employees raises.

As per the terms of the agreement, the automaker will invest $1.25 billion (Canadian) across its manufacturing operations here.

This includes spending $700 million to maximize the 5.0-litre engine production as the Essex engine plant, which is anticipated to add a third shift, and to continue the expansion and production of the 7.3-litre engine at the same facility.

The agreement also includes the previously planned $550-million investment at the Oakville assembly plant over the life of the three-year agreement.

“This agreement is about investing in our people and Canada’s future,” Ford CEO Jim Farley said in a news release. “With this agreement and our continued investments in Oakville, Windsor and Essex, we’re building on more than a century of manufacturing leadership in Canada and strengthening Ford’s ability to compete and win for years to come. We’re proud to invest in Unifor’s strong leadership and in our outstanding Canadian employees, dealers and customers.”

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