Brothers and Sisters,
As I communicated to you on March 20th, the Union Leadership shared the same concerns as the members. We were hearing the rumors and seeing reports from various news outlets suggesting a delay in EV production plans for Oakville. I was a part of the leadership group who reached out to the company requesting a meeting and seeking clarity on the situation. On Tuesday April 2nd I joined Unifor National President Lana Payne and other senior Unifor officials in a meeting with top decision makers for Ford Motor Company, including CEO Jim Farley. During that meeting, the company finally provided clarification on its plans for Oakville, which was spelled out in a media release issued by the company today.
The information provided to us confirms company plans to delay the production start-time for EV’s at Oakville, now to 2027. This is extremely disappointing. We understand that as the auto industry goes through the EV transition there will be challenges. We also know that market conditions are always changing and that timelines are fluid. However, it does not make this news any easier for our members.
The rumors that have been on the shop floor recently have put a strain on our members and their families. Our members have done nothing but build world class quality vehicles for Ford Motor Company. The quality of the Edge has never been higher. The Nautilus we built up until late 2023 was ranked first in quality for the Lincoln brand. Our members continue to meet and exceed jobs per hour delivery. Local 707 members deserve a long, strong, and stable future, building the next generation of vehicles at Ford in North America. Our members also have a right to be fully supported throughout this extended downtime.
During 2023 negotiations, we bargained improvements to our income security provisions, including specific measures for the Oakville site and through the EV transition. As a part of the Oakville income security measures there is an agreement for the company and the union to meet to discuss extending income security arrangements should the retooling period extend beyond eight months. Both the National and Local union will be jointly engaging the company in discussions to extend supports as well as explore any and all opportunities to lessen the impact this downtime will have on our members. Coming to a resolve on this is a priority. We will communicate details around extended supports as soon as possible.
As accurate and relevant information becomes available your union leadership will continue to update the members. The Local 707 leadership will work to support our members through these difficult times.
Marc Brennan
Ford Council Vice Chairperson
OAC Plant Chairperson, Unifor Local 707
Office Phone # (905)845-2511 ext # 3350 | Company Cell # (289)681-7654 | Union Cell # (905)407-0475
Union Email: mbrennan@uniforlocal707.ca | Company Email: mbrenn10@ford.com
