Unifor expects Ford to bring new product to Essex Engine

Unifor's decision to target General Motors first during upcoming contract negotiations, essentially putting Ford in the back seat, has no bearing on the likelihood of bringing a new product to Windsor, according to president of Unifor Local 200.

"We would have loved to have gone first as Ford," said Chris Taylor, who represents Ford workers at the Essex Engine plant in Windsor. 

He said the local now must move "past the disappointment" of Unifor not targeting Ford during negotiations.

Although GM is first, Taylor says Ford will still be "expected to come up with product and investment for Windsor, otherwise there's no agreement."

Unifor national president Jerry Dias announced Tuesday the union refuses to sign a deal with any of the Detroit Three unless a firm commitment is first made for the GM plants in Oshawa, Ont., and St. Catharines, Ont. After that, Ford and FCA must also ante up.

Engine plant in jeopardy

Taylor said his members have been living with uncertainty since 2004.

"We want to hear that there's other product out there. We know our Windsor engine plant right now is in jeopardy. We've lost all of the 5.4-litre [engine] work in there," he said.

The current product, bigger V8 engines, has limited shelf life, Taylor said, but he's remaining cautiously optimistic.

"I believe Ford has heard our message very loud and clear, especially over the last month since we started this process," he said. "They understand what the consequences are of not coming to the table with our main objective, which is product and investment."

It took a lot of work to keep the Essex Engine in Windsor. In 2007 the plant actually closed, but Taylor said through local and national negotiations the union was able to reopen it.

"[It's] the only Ford plant in North America that has closed and reopened," he said.

Unifor has threatened job action if it doesn't get an agreement with GM before midnight on Sept. 19.