ROMEO, Mich. – The Ford Romeo Engine Plant will close as part of Ford’s tentative agreement with the United Auto Workers union.
Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit have learned that Romeo plant workers will have the option of retiring or moving to a nearby plant.
On Wednesday, UAW National Negotiators announced they voted to send the proposed tentative agreement to the National UAW-Ford Council.
"Our national negotiators elected by their local unions have voted unanimously to recommend to the UAW-Ford National Council the proposed tentative agreement,” said UAW Vice President Rory Gamble. “Our negotiating team worked diligently during the General Motors strike to maintain productive negotiations with Ford. The pattern bargaining strategy has been a very effective approach for UAW and its members to secure economic gains around salary, benefits and secured over $6 billion in major product investments in American facilities, creating and retaining over 8,500 jobs for our communities.”
Full details of the agreement will not be released until the UAW-Ford Council leaders can meet and review the details, according to Gamble.
"Vice President Gamble, his staff and the Ford negotiating team have worked tirelessly to reach an agreement that preserves job security and rewards UAW Ford members for their quality work,” said UAW President Gary Jones. "These were long and hard hours, but I feel confident they were able to secure a contract that protects our member’s future.”
If adopted as a tentative agreement, it will go to all Ford hourly and salary members for a ratification vote.
Vice President of Labor Affairs for Ford Motor Co., Bill Dirksen, released the following statement:
“Ford can confirm the UAW’s announcement that the UAW and Ford have reached a proposed tentative agreement on a four-year contract. Further details will be provided at a later date.”