As the deadline for Unifor and Ford negotiations approaches, the union schedules live updates to report on the status of talks while it continues to push for investment and secure jobs. Ford Canada is one of Oakville's largest employers.
"While Ford might want balk at our priorities and the pattern Agreement set with GM, our members are clear, we will not go backwards and accept rollbacks or concessions," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. "In every round of Detroit Three bargaining our top priority has been and remains focused on securing a future for good, full-time unionized jobs in the auto sector."
The deadline for contract talks with Ford is Monday, October 31 at 11:59 p.m. The union has stated that if there is no tentative agreement by the deadline, strike action will occur at Ford facilities in the Bramalea, Oakville and Windsor. Unifor represents approximately 6,700 members at Ford. Strike action has already been authorized with an overwhelming vote that was held on August 28, 2016.
The major stumbling blocks according to Unifor are:
1. Lower wages for new temporary full-time workers
2. The elimination of the Long Term Benefits Program
Agreements where reached with both General Motors and Fiat Chrysler earlier this month, which did provide new workers with yearly cost of living increases. What was given up was the defined pension plan for new workers. However, what the Union did manage to negotiate with GM and FCA was a guarantee to upgrade Canadian plants to ensure Canadians will be making vehicles for many more years. Unifor representing Ford employees is also looking to see engine plants in Windsor and Essex upgraded.
A statement released by the Ford Motor Company, “Ford has gone further to say that if there is a strike based on wanting more than the pattern economics, it will reconsider their Canadian facilities and will exit Canadian operations.”
Briefings reports are planned for Monday October 31, 2016 at 4 p.m., 8 p.m., 10 p.m. and midnight. Updates will occur as required; the union may also provide briefings at other times. The updates will also be live streamed using Periscope, and the @AutoTalks16 twitter account.
Ford Motor Company shares have dropped 2.5% over the past five days, and will open today at $11.72 US. In 2015 Ford announced at $7.4B profit.
