Brothers and Sisters,
I would like to acknowledge and thank everyone who attended and participated in our ratification meeting on July 12 in Hamilton. It spoke volumes about the importance of this round of bargaining, given our plant’s transition from retooling into the launch phase, as well as the overall state of the auto industry in this country.
The pattern agreement has now been ratified by our Ford members, and we can all be proud that this agreement will not only benefit us over the next three years and beyond, but also our brothers and sisters at GM and Stellantis.
Latest Recall
On August 10th, 2026, 17 members were the latest to be recalled from layoff.
I will continue to post updates as further recalls take place. Our most senior member currently on layoff has a seniority date of February 27, 2015 (34481).
2027 Retirement Incentive
Discussions have begun regarding the negotiated retirement incentives for production employees. These discussions will continue in the coming weeks as we establish a timeline for interest letters to be sent to those who are retirement eligible, retirement seminars for those interested in attending, and ultimately the deadline for intent letters so that those who choose to retire and are eligible, can receive confirmation and be provided with a retirement date.
As negotiated, the number of incentives will be awarded on a 1-for-1 basis and will not exceed the number of employees on layoff as of the Monday following ratification notice.
There is still a long road ahead to return our members who remain on layoff, and the retirement incentive is an important part of that process.
Facilities
As the plant has come back online and shifted out of the retool phase, we have identified many facility issues that were still incomplete – or not even in place – as our members have returned to work.
It has taken months of continued attention, and hardly a week goes by without us identifying either progress or a lack thereof in this regard. Kyle Cruji has committed that all facility issues being raised will receive the attention they need from upper management until they are completed. I also personally raised our concerns regarding facility issues with senior Ford management during their visit to the plant last week.
Your union leadership will continue to be vigilant in ensuring progress is made and in identifying shortcomings moving forward. As always, you should all be communicating any concerns to management and then bringing them to our attention as well. We try to capture everything, but we are strongest when we work as one.
Gym Updates
There is still work to be done in the main plant gym, and upgrades may continue even after it reopens. I have been advised that the final steps for access are being completed next week, and we should see the gym reopen within the next couple of weeks.
Construction on the Body gym is expected to begin once the contractors currently using the space are off site. We expect that work to begin in the fall.
Parking
Parking continues to be an issue while contractors and launch-related personnel remain on site. We have asked the company to provide solutions to this problem.
Please keep in mind that as you look for parking, the city is enforcing violations and will tow anyone parked in a fire lane or in an area marked as a tow zone.
Launch Update
Lastly, we are heading into the final phases of launch as we approach the fourth quarter. As the weeks progress and launch milestones are met, the number of trucks we build each day will continue to increase until we reach full production.
As has been the case over the past two-plus years, there will be challenges. However, I am confident that if we are given the tools to succeed, this launch will be exactly that – a success – and one that Ford Motor Company and this membership will benefit from for years to come.
In solidarity,
Jason Del Buono
Ford Council Vice Chairperson
OAC Plant Chairperson, Unifor Local 707
Office Phone: (905) 845-2511 ext. 3350 | Cell: (905) 351-3737
Union Email: jdelbuono@uniforlocal707.ca | Company Email: jdelbuon@ford.com
