Ford, UAW Reach Tentative Agreement with River Rouge Tool and Die Workers, Averting Strike

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has announced a tentative agreement with Ford Motor Company, averting a potential strike by tool and die workers at the automaker’s River Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Michigan. The agreement, reached just one day ahead of a strike deadline, brings relief to both parties and potentially sets a new standard for skilled trades workers at Ford.

The tentative agreement, which covers over 500 tool and die workers at the River Rouge Complex, will now be reviewed by union members before a ratification vote is held in the coming days.

“If ratified, this agreement will establish a new benchmark for skilled trades at Ford,” the UAW stated.

Last week, the union had threatened a strike if local contract issues remained unresolved by September 26th. Key concerns in the negotiations included job security, wage parity, and work rules. The tentative agreement suggests that both Ford and the UAW have made progress on these critical issues.

The River Rouge Complex, a significant manufacturing facility for Ford, employs approximately 6,000 workers. The tool and die unit plays a crucial role in maintaining and repairing the complex’s equipment, making their work essential to Ford’s production operations.

The successful negotiation of this tentative agreement demonstrates the commitment of both Ford and the UAW to finding solutions that address the needs of both the company and its workforce. A ratified agreement would bring stability to the River Rouge Complex and potentially serve as a model for future labor negotiations within the automotive industry.

Key Takeaways:

• The UAW and Ford have reached a tentative agreement with tool and die workers at the River Rouge Complex.
• The agreement averts a potential strike that was scheduled to begin on September 26th.
• The tentative agreement covers over 500 workers and will be subject to a ratification vote.
• The agreement potentially sets a new standard for skilled trades workers at Ford.
• The successful negotiations demonstrate the commitment of both parties to finding common ground.

This tentative agreement represents a positive step toward ensuring a stable and productive working relationship between Ford and its skilled trades workforce. The outcome of the ratification vote will determine the future of this agreement and its potential impact on labor relations within the broader automotive industry.