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Unifor Local 195 members at Flex-N-Gate in Windsor have ratified a new three-year collective agreement.
The union represents 650 production and skilled trades workers at the plant who supply auto parts for the Ford F-150, Bronco and Ranger as well as the Stellantis plants in Windsor and Brampton. Members voted 73 per cent in favour of the new contract.
“I am proud of the leadership our bargaining committee showed throughout several weeks of intense negotiations due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing chip shortages,” said Unifor Local 195 President Emile Nabbout. “The important gains we made in each of the key areas identified by our members would not have been possible without their support and solidarity.”
The new collective agreement provides a signing bonus and improves wages and health and pension benefits. Gains were also made to members’ bereavement leave, life insurance benefits, and vision care.
The union also successfully negotiated new commitments from the employer to invest in the plant and give workers the right to bid on future replacement work. Equity language was also strengthened including expanded training hours for the women’s advocate position and the company agreed to recognize March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
“Despite very tough economic conditions and public health restrictions, our bargaining committee negotiated a very strong agreement that makes improvements across the board,” Nabbout added. “This was no easy feat and I am grateful that everyone was up to the task.”
The term of the three-year agreement ends on May 17, 2024.
