Unifor extends negotiations with Ford after receiving “substantial offer”

TORONTO — Unifor is extending negotiations with Ford Motor Company by 24 hours after receiving what it calls a substantial offer from the company shortly before a midnight Monday deadline.

The union says negotiations are ongoing and members must remain prepared to strike.

Unifor auto workers are in legal strike position against Ford after their contract expired late Monday, with no new agreement in place.

In an update late Monday afternoon, the union said it was telling its 5,600 members at Ford to be prepared for all scenarios, including a strike, when the contract expires at the end day.

Unifor national president Lana Payne said in a video statement Monday evening that the union would be on strike after the collective agreement expires, but a statement on the Unifor website says Unifor members Ford are expected to remain on the job unless they receive explicit instructions from the union to do otherwise. .

Unifor said it was focused on raising wages, improving pensions and ensuring good jobs in a future that will be dominated by electric vehicles.