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Ford union sets tone for talks by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 7 | Thursday, October 6, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Talks between Ford Canada and its workers' union, Unifor, are still weeks away, but may already be heading for trouble. Oakville Assembly Unifor Local 707 President Dave Thomas has spoken out against an agreement made between Unifor and General Motors in late September, noting if the national union attempts to make a similar agreement with Ford, the Oakville membership will not ratify it. This action could potentially cause problems for the national union's traditional practice of "pattern bargaining," in which the union hammers out a deal with one automaker and then uses that deal as a precedent to demand similar or better conditions from the other two automakers. Looking for a better deal Oakville Ford workers are looking for a better deal that would shorten the time it takes for new hires to reach the top of the pay grid. "When bargaining began back in August, we, as a local bargaining committee, were given a very clear mandate as to what the members of Local 707 were expecting," wrote Thomas in a post on the union's website. "We have stayed the course and have not deviated from that mandate. We, as a local bargaining committee, have sent a very clear message to Ford Motor Company and the national union that the framework agreement between GM and the membership will not suit the needs of the membership in Oakville." The national union has said its top priority in these negotiations is to secure product and new investment in Canada. Free Installation Sale on Safety Covers! Designed for worry free protection 14' x 28' Rect $999 16' x 32' Rect $1199 18' x 36' Rect $1399 20' x 40' Rect $1599 INSTALLED* Focus on investment The Ford bargaining committee will be working specifically to get new investment at Ford's Windsor, Ont. engine plants. "Investment in Canada was the No. 1 priority when we opened up bargaining, but we all agreed it would not be at the expense of the rest of the membership," said Thomas, in the online post. "We, as a local bargaining committee, will not sacrifice the needs of the membership in Oakville and settle on an agreement that doesn't address our issues." With more than 5,000 Ford employees represented, the Oakville local's vote is large enough to determine whether an agreement is accepted or rejected. In his online address to the Unifor Local 707 membership, Thomas emphasized if the union reaches an agreement and it is not ratified, there will be a strike. "I am not prepared to present an agreement to the membership that won't be ratified," said Thomas. Unifor President Jerry Dias noted while Unifor locals have the right to dissent, the reason they are doing so in this case doesn't make a lot of sense. see Union on p.12 Safety Cover* 12` x 24` REcT SAFETy coVER $ INSTALLED* 799 Replacement pool lineRs* 12' 14' 16' 18' 20' X X X X X 24' 28' 32' 36' 40' reCt reCt reCt reCt reCt 999 $ 1199 $ 1399 $ 1599 $ 1999 $ 12' x 24' Inground Kidney Shaped Pool $27,999 installed* Vinyl or Fiberglass available "WINTER COVERS" 12' x 24' REcT $59.99 14' x 28' REcT $79.99 16' x 32' REcT $99.99 18' x 36' REcT $119.99 20' x 40' REcT $129.99 MaNy MORE SIzES ON SalE *Limited time offer, No dealers please, Quantities Limited *Restrictions apply check in-store for details, not applicable on prior sales. Products may not be exactly as shown. 905-815-5252 504 IROQUOIS SHORE ROAD, UNIT #1, OAKVILLE, ON L6H 3K4 www.leisureindustries.ca WIN A $250 Gift Card to your favourite Dorval Crossing Store! Enter at www.dorvalcrossing.com Contest Ends October 31st, 2016 Over 60 Shops & Services located at the QEW & Dorval Drive Visit dorvalcrossing.com for more information