Unifor Ford Agreement Accelerates Electric Vehicle Manufacturing in Canada
A newly reached tentative labour agreement between Unifor and Ford Motor Company is set to shape the future of electric vehicle production in Canada, reinforcing the country’s position in the global EV supply chain. The deal, announced in 2026, secures thousands of jobs while committing to significant investments in EV manufacturing infrastructure across Ford’s Canadian operations.
What the Tentative Agreement Includes
The agreement between Unifor and Ford covers approximately 5,400 workers across Ford’s Canadian facilities, including the Oakville Assembly Complex, the Windsor Engine Plants, and the Essex Engine Plant. Key highlights of the tentative deal include:
- Wage increases across the length of the contract for both production and skilled trades workers
- Investment commitments to retool the Oakville Assembly Complex for next-generation electric vehicle production
- Pension improvements and enhanced retirement security for existing employees
- Cost-of-living adjustments to help workers manage inflation
- Job security provisions tied to Ford’s EV transition strategy
Union leadership has described the agreement as a strong step forward for auto workers navigating the industry’s shift toward electrification.
Oakville Assembly Complex at the Center of EV Strategy
The Oakville Assembly Complex, located in Oakville, Ontario, remains central to Ford’s Canadian EV ambitions. The facility has been undergoing a multi-billion-dollar retooling process to prepare for the production of next-generation electric vehicles. The new labour agreement reinforces Ford’s commitment to bringing EV production online at the site, with battery and drivetrain components sourced from an integrated North American supply chain.
This continued investment positions Oakville as a key hub in Canada’s expanding EV manufacturing ecosystem, alongside developments in battery production in Windsor and materials processing across Ontario and Quebec.
About Unifor
Unifor is Canada’s largest private-sector union, representing more than 315,000 workers across a wide range of industries, including auto manufacturing, transportation, energy, and telecommunications. Formed in 2013 through the merger of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP), Unifor plays a leading role in negotiating labour agreements with the Detroit Three automakers operating in Canada.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, is one of the largest automakers in the world. Founded in 1903 by Henry Ford, the company operates manufacturing facilities across the globe and has been a major employer in Canada for over a century. Ford is investing heavily in its electric vehicle lineup under its Model e division, with commitments spanning EV production, battery development, and charging infrastructure across North America.
Implications for Canada’s EV Sector
The Unifor-Ford agreement arrives at a critical time for Canada’s automotive industry. Federal and provincial governments have committed billions of dollars in incentives to attract EV and battery manufacturing investment, with major projects announced by Stellantis-LG Energy