DETROIT – The proposed hourly tentative agreement between Ford Motor Co. and the United Auto Workers was sent to UAW members for a ratification vote, according to a release from the UAW.
Informational meetings and ratification votes at Ford local unions will be held starting Monday. All local votes are due in Detroit on Nov. 15. Ford workers will get $9,000 each if they ratify the four-year contract with the company, but Ford will close a factory in the deal, a person briefed on the pact said Thursday. The company plans to close its engine factory in Romeo.
READ: Deal gives Ford workers $9K signing bonus; Romeo plant will close
“This contract provides over $6 Billion in new product investment creating and retaining over 8500 jobs. We are proud that UAW-Ford members through this contract will continue to be the largest U.S. auto workforce and build the most products here at home,” said Rory Gamble, UAW Vice President and Director of the UAW-Ford Department. “This contract reflects the hard work, sacrifice and quality work of UAW members as they lead the U.S. auto industry.”
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According to Gamble, this agreement includes a pathway for full-time temporary workers to full-time status and a pathway for all current Ford UAW members to full pay.
“UAW Ford members have created an environment for growth in products and jobs, and a serious commitment by Ford Motor Company to grow their footprint right here in the U.S.,” said Gary Jones, President of the UAW. “This contract continues a strong pattern that gives all workers a path to traditional wages and maintains the job security and benefits our members deserve.”
“Ford can confirm the UAW’s announcement that the UAW and Ford have reached a tentative agreement on a four-year contract. Further details will be provided at a later date,” Vice president of labor affairs at Ford Bill Dirksen said.