UAW workers ratify contract with Ford Motor Co. despite Louisvil

Hours later, but by a smaller margin, Ford workers ratified their new four-year deal, additionally covering about 52,000 employees, the union declared late Friday. But final approval was then held up because 60% of the skilled trades workers, such as electricians and welders, voted against it.

The union said on Friday that the contract at Ford passed with a vote of 51.4%, which covers more than 53,000 hourly workers in the USA across 22 plants.

The U.A.W. Ford vice president, Jimmy Settles, said in a statement: “there’s no higher power than the membership. Through a fair and democratic process UAW-Ford members have delivered job security and strong economic gains for their families and communities”.

John Fleming, Ford’s executive vice president for global manufacturing and labor affairs, said, “This agreement provides a good foundation for Ford Motor Company, our employees and our communities as we work together to create an even stronger business in the years ahead”. The previous pact for General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler was to expire September 14 but was extended as the UAW focused on one company at a time to finalize agreements.

Announcing the ratification with GM, UAW said in a statement, “Following discussions with GM, the parties agreed to changes that protect core trades classifications and seniority rights”. Skilled-trades workers’ total compensation will grow an average of $35,098 over four years, the union said. The voice of the majority has secured a strong future that will provide job security and economic stability for themselves and their families, ” UAW President Dennis Williams said. New workers, hired since 2007, will also more quickly receive full wages.

A last-ditch push by UAW leaders to rally support for a proposed contract with Ford Motor Co. mustered just enough votes to overcome widespread opposition and bitterness among workers as the company generates record profits.

The deal gives all workers significant raises.

It also promises ratification bonuses of up to $10,250 per worker.

The contract increases wages for all union workers and will gradually eliminate the pay system of two tiers, which is now paying new workers less than those who are veterans. A second proposal that set an eight-year path from hiring to top pay was overwhelmingly approved at Fiat Chrysler, which had the most second-tier workers.

The review of skilled trades workers concerns found they had issues pertaining to local contract agreements, reclassification of trades, numbers of apprentices, concern over outsourcing or loss of jobs and the absence of cost of living increases and buyouts. And union officials and Ford Motor have reached a tentative agreement that still needs to be ratified by membership. GM’s per hour labor are up $5 and Ford’s rose $3.