Auto workers in Ford's Canadian plants ratified their next labor contract over the weekend and concluded the union's negotiations with Detroit's "Big Three" automakers.
Unifor announced Sunday that 58 percent of its roughly 6,700 Ford workers voted in favor of ratifying the tentative agreement reached last week.
The pact, union officials said, includes about $530 million in investment in Ford's Canadian plants. Most of that spending is targeted for a Windsor, Ont., engine plant, with other investment going to an auto assembly plant in suburban Toronto.
Unifor added that the contract did not include Ford's demands for a temporary, lower-wage full-time workforce as well as proposed cuts to long-term health care.
The proposal passed despite reports that some local union leaders opposed its terms.
"We solidified a footprint for the future of auto in Canada and none of this would have happened if our union was not willing to fight for principles and to do it together," said Unifor president Jerry Dias.
In total, the union represents more than 20,000 Canadian auto workers employed by Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler.
The latest contract talks were expected to be contentious after the union demanded additional investment in Canada and authorized a potential strike. An agreement with GM — the subject of initial negotiations — averted a strike in September and served as the basis for agreements with FCA and Ford.
In total, the three agreements are expected to generate more than $1 billion in investments in Canada's auto industry, along with general wage increases, improved wage progressions, lump sum payments and a ratification bonus.
"Bargaining is always tough, but reaching this contract was no small feat," said Chris Taylor, who chaired the union's Ford bargaining committee. "I am proud of our collective efforts that made it possible."