
On Wednesday, the United Auto Workers (UAW) union announced a potentially game-changing tentative contract agreement with Ford. The nearly six-week-long strikes against Detroit automakers could see a triumphant resolution, rendering this an innovative turning point in the industry.
Awaiting approval by the company’s 57,000 union members, the four-year deal stands a chance of concluding the string of strikes looming over factories operated by Ford, General Motors, and Jeep maker Stellantis. This deal with Ford could pave way for similar agreements with the other two automakers, thereby causing workers, who remain on strike, to resume their work roles.
“All workers at Ford are called upon to recommence their jobs,” declared the UAW. In doing so, pressure will be exerted on GM and Stellantis to negotiate. Details and instructions on the process will follow in due time.
President Shawn Fain, in a video address to members, enthusiastically expressed, “We pushed Ford to the brink, and they have stepped up, giving us more than we hoped for.” He revealed that Ford offered 50 per cent more than what was initially put on the table before the strike began its course on September 15th.
Chief negotiator with Ford, UAW Vice President Chuck Browning, informed that workers will receive a 25 per cent general wage increase. Alongside cost of living raises, the pay increase will soar above 30 per cent. By the end of the contract, top-scale assembly plant workers will make over US$40 per hour.
Browning also revealed that temporary workers are set to receive an increase in wages, more substantial than the total they received over the previous 22 years. These workers can expect raises over 150 per cent, whereas retirees are promised annual bonuses.
“The power of our picket line members and the looming threat of additional strikes have secured us the most advantageous agreement since the days of Walter Reuther’s presidency,” affirmed Browning.
On the home front, the relief was palpable among the workers. Local union leaders, post their briefing of the agreement, displayed evident joy and relief. Keith Jurgelewicz, an emotional worker, shared his heartfelt relief saying, “This marks the end of an emotionally draining chapter.”
Pension-holding workers will also witness increases upon retirement, and those onboarded after 2007 with 401(k) plans will be granted substantial increases. Browning added that for the first time, the union is now entitled to strike over company deliberations to shut down factories.
In response, Ford expressed satisfaction at having reached the compromise and communicated its immediate focus on restarting the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville and the Chicago Assembly Plant. Inclusively, 20,000 workers will jump back into action, shipping Ford’s complete range of vehicles to customers.
In the face of rumination over the cost of the contract, Ford remained silent. The company hinted last week that it had peaked in terms of what it could pay while financing the development of new vehicles and transitioning from internal combustion to electric vehicles.
“This contract agreement guides us onto a revitalizing path – it is the start of an era that promises justice for Ford, the Big Three and the broader auto industry. Together, we are altering the course for the working class in this country,” declared an emphatic Fain.