Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited and Unifor officially opened 2026 contract negotiations on June 22 in Toronto. The discussions began with a meeting between Meredith Keenan, Ford of Canada's vice president of Human Resources, and Lana Payne, Unifor National President.
Ford's Opening Statement
In a statement released by the company, Keenan emphasized the importance of the partnership with Unifor and the collective bargaining process. "We value our longstanding partnership with Unifor and begin these negotiations with deep respect for the collective bargaining process and the vital role our employees play in Ford’s success," Keenan said.
Ford expressed its intention to engage in constructive, good-faith discussions aimed at reaching a fair agreement. The company stated that its goals include providing stability for its workforce while securing the long-term competitiveness of its Canadian manufacturing operations.
Ford of Canada's Operations and Workforce
Ford of Canada operates a national headquarters, three vehicle assembly and engine manufacturing plants, three parts distribution centres, and three Connectivity and Innovation centres across the country. The company directly employs approximately 6,500 people in Canada. Additionally, around 20,000 people work at roughly 430 Ford and Ford-Lincoln dealerships nationwide.
Negotiation Context
The 2026 contract negotiations come at a time when the automotive industry is undergoing significant changes, including the transition to electric vehicles and evolving trade policies. Ford's Canadian operations are a key part of its North American manufacturing footprint, and the outcome of these talks could impact production and employment levels.
Unifor represents thousands of Ford workers in Canada and has historically focused on job security, wages, and benefits during bargaining. The union has not yet released a detailed list of its priorities for these negotiations.
For more information about Ford of Canada, visit www.ford.ca.
