Ford Workers Ratify New Deal, Opening Door to Significant Investment in Canadian Auto Industry

Ford Workers Ratify New Deal, Set Stage for Big Investment in Windsor

Ford workers have approved a new agreement that includes significant wage increases and additional rewards, marking a crucial milestone for the Canadian automotive sector. The deal, worth $1 billion, is set to create over 300 jobs at Ford Motor Company of Canada Limited’s Windsor assembly plant.

This expansion follows a period of workforce reduction at the plant, where 1,375 positions were eliminated earlier this year. The union, Unifor, highlighted that this agreement could pave the way for similar investments with other automakers like Fiat Chrysler.

"Ford’s investment in Windsor is part of their strategic plan to recover lost production and solidify their presence in key markets," said Dean Stoneley, Ford’s president and CEO. "This deal not only boosts employment but also demonstrates our commitment to advancing Canadian automotive manufacturing."

Unifor President Geoff Zochodne emphasized that this agreement could set precedents for future negotiations with automakers like Fiat Chrysler, which is currently exploring a merger with PSA Group. Despite these challenges, Zochodne remains optimistic about the potential of such investments in revitalizing the industry.

The Ford deal underscores the company’s efforts to expand operations beyond Windsor, with new facilities planned at Brampton and Windsor. These investments are part of Ford’s broader strategy to recover production levels and stabilize employment amid ongoing changes in the automotive sector.