How to resolve AdBlock issue? Ford confirms details in game-changing labour deal
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- September 30, 2020
Click image to enlargeIn the worst-kept secret of 2020, Ford Motor Co. of Canada, Ltd. has confirmed a $1.8-billion investment to be the first automotive manufacturer in Canada to build fully battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
"This is the single biggest investment in the Canadian auto industry in years providing long-term job security for Unifor members," said Jerry Dias, Unifor president. "This agreement is perfect timing and positions our members at the forefront of the electric vehicle transformation, as the Oakville plant will be a key BEV supplier to the North American and European Union markets."
The announcement comes after Unifor members voted to ratify the new three-year national labour agreement.
Ford is committing to transform its Oakville Assembly Complex in Oakville, Ont. from an internal combustion engine (ICE) site to also become a BEV manufacturing facility, starting in 2024.
Ford is also introducing a new engine program at its Windsor, Ont. operations. The automaker has committed to source new 6.X L engines to the Windsor Engine Plant and sole source 5.0L engine assembly and current component machining to the Essex Engine plant, along with any derivatives.
As part of the three-year agreement, Unifor has agreed to several operational improvements to increase the efficiency of Ford's Canadian facilities, including alternative work schedules to maximize production flexibility, and a higher ratio of temporary employees.
Aside from the electric vehicle and engine investment, Ford has agreed to two 2.5 per cent wage increase over the life of the agreement. Each full-time, permanent worker will receive a $7,250 signing bonus. Temporary employees will receive $500. Finally, new hires will reach full benefit status in eight years, down from 11.
"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."
Unifor will begin negotiations with Fiat Chrysler next, with GM Canada third on the list for pattern bargaining.
Joe Biden’s U.S. presidential election win will have a significant impact on the Canada-U.S. trading relationship, and Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) says that while the new administration will operate with more predictability, Canada will have to work hard to stabilize and improve economic ties with its top trading partner.
The Federal government is investing $11.5 to help Canada's automotive industry develop technologies for cars of the future. Up to 80 skilled jobs will be created in BC, Ontario and Quebec.
Real gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.7 per cent in January, following 0.1 per cent growth in December, according to Statistics Canada.
The downturn in the global manufacturing sector eased in June, according to a recent market report.
With the Winter Olympics underway in Korea, World Steel, a non-profit organisation representing global steel manufacturers, has published an article on how innovation in steel is a crucial success factor for elite-level ice hockey teams.
Elliott Matsuura Canada Inc. has partnered with Takumi—a company under the Hurco umbrella—to supply machining centers in Canada.
A Canadian firm with an innovative high speed robotic weld cladding process has received a Japanese patent and is on its way to obtaining a European patent to expand the use of the process around the globe.
The latest IHS Markit Canada Manufacturing PMI has been released, and it shows growth in output, new orders and employment.
The federal Ministry of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour has announced a new project to help internationally trained newcomers in Milton, ON get their foreign credentials recognized.
Ford Motor Co. Ltd and Unifor reached a tentative deal that change the auto industry landscape in Ontario.
Manufacturing doesn't have the greatest reputation among the general public and when it comes to youth, it's not often considered as a career choice. The Canadian Tooling and Machining Association (CTMA), along with industry suppliers, want to change that perception and held the first Technolody Day on June 14 in Cambridge, ON, to do just that.
Linde has announced that its Canadian subsidiary, Praxair Canada Inc., has changed its name to Linde Canada Inc.
Salvagnini is expanding is presence in Canada with a service office, spare parts warehouse and showroom in Mississauga, ON.
EMEC Machine Tools and Krueger Machining is hosting an advanced five axis machining networking event in Tecumseh, ON, in the Windsor area on July 10th.
Export Development Canada (EDC) has released its fall Global Export Forecast, and expectations for 2019 show solid export growth.
