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According to The Detroit News, six of the eight UAW locals that have voted on the proposal have given the contract a thumbs-down. Reuters claims 92 percent of Local 249, which represents workers at the facility in Kansas City, Missouri, voted against the contract, and a similar landslide was witnessed at Ford’s factory in Flat Rock, Michigan.
Although the proposed agreement gives workers a $1000 bonus and guarantees job security with the addition of U.S.-built product, some object to the freeze on wages and the “no-strike” provision. Others object to the so-called “pattern bargaining” style. Similar provisions were granted in revised contracts with GM and Chrysler, and Ford wants to abide by the same in order to remain competitive.
While early voting looks somewhat bleak, all hope may not be lost. The majority of Ford’s 41,000 UAW must vote to adopt the agreement, and Reuters suggests workers at five other plants have supported it. Still, we wouldn’t be surprised if the contract’s ratification or rejection hangs on a few key votes...