Unifor National President Lana Payne provides an update on contract talks with Ford Canada on September 18, 2023. Screenshot courtesy Unifor Canada/YouTube.Unifor National President Lana Payne provides an update on contract talks with Ford Canada on September 18, 2023. Screenshot courtesy Unifor Canada/YouTube.
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UPDATE: Strike deadline in Unifor-Ford talks extended

Unifor and Ford are still at the bargaining table.

The strike deadline at 11:59 p.m. came and went with no deal, but the union said it will keep talking after the company made a substantive offer minutes before midnight.

The strike deadline has been extended 24-hours.

Unifor National President Lana Payne provided a video update at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

"In my last update [at 4 p.m. Monday], my message to you was clear," said Payne. "Yes, there have been constructive talks with Ford and we have made progress in important areas...We are not anywhere we need to be on key priority issues. Pensions and a wage package are atop that list."

Payne remained optimistic that a deal could be reached, but reiterated that Unifor will be looking for progress on those key priorities.

"We need Ford to deliver more to meet our members' expectations and demands. It's as simple as that," said Payne.

Ford Canada issued a statement shortly after 2 a.m. Tuesday.

"We will continue to work collaboratively with Unifor to create a blueprint for the automotive industry that supports a vibrant and sustainable future in Canada," the statement read.

Members at Ford have been told to remain ready to walk off the job.

Meanwhile, Unifor extended the strike deadline for GM and Stellantis.

Talks with those two companies are on hold until the union reaches a deal with Ford. That contract will serve as a template for members at GM and Stellantis.

In the U.S. last Thursday night, members of the United Auto Workers Union walked off the job after that union failed to reach a deal with the Big Three automakers. Unlike Unifor, that union is bargaining with all three companies at once.

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