UAW: New Ford Contract Could Secure ‘8,500’ Jobs

A new labor agreement forged Monday between the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the Ford Motor Co. could help secure and create 8,500 jobs if general membership votes to ratify it.

Ford is just one of a few automakers in negotiations with the union. Adamant disagreements and the constant threat of striking workers have plagued the talks. Nevertheless, the UAW was able to finalize an agreement Oct. 22 with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and is currently working to finalize a deal with General Motors. The contract drafted with Ford just needs a final vote by UAW Ford members.

“The significant new investments will strengthen job security and job growth over the long-term,” UAW President Dennis Williams said in a statement. “We worked hard to secure an agreement that provides a clear path to traditional wages for all members and substantial raises for traditional members for the first time in 10 years. Our members will have the final word, and we look forward to the conversation in the days ahead.”

Ford is the last of the big three automakers the union has negotiated with.The proposed contract was approved by the local union leaders Monday. It includes $9 billion in new investments and limits on outsourcing jobs. Members will take home more than $30,000 more in wages, bonuses and profit sharing.

More so the proposed contract will end the two-tier wage system. The policy allows some assembly workers to receive substantially less pay than others for same work. It was implemented during the financial disaster of 2008 to help the auto industry withstand the financial crisis.

Workers have adamantly voiced their views that the policy should be eliminated. With the improved economy, workers have now demanding the concessions end. One of the more troublesome concessions for workers is the two-tier wage system.

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