The United Auto Workers union (UAW) and Ford have reached a tentative agreement late Wednesday night, ending a 41-day strike by the Big Three car manufacturers in Detroit. The deal includes a 25% wage increase for hourly employees, guaranteed cost-of-living adjustments, and the elimination of different pay levels or “tiers” that disadvantage junior employees. It also grants workers the right to strike over plant closures.
UAW President Shawn Fain expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, saying “For months we’ve said that record profits mean record contracts. And UAW family, our Stand Up Strike has delivered.” President Joe Biden also praised the agreement, calling it an “historic accord”. He thanked the UAW and Ford for coming together after a hard-fought negotiation and reaching a tentative agreement.
The wage increase is lower than the 40% sought by Fain when the UAW launched the strike in September, but it is much higher than the 9% originally proposed by Ford. Fain said that the agreement sets a new path to make things right at Ford, the Big Three, and across the auto industry. He emphasized that the final decision rests with the rank-and-file, who will be presented with a detailed online presentation and regional meetings to vote on the agreement.
The strike has gradually expanded over the past few weeks, with more than 45,000 workers participating prior to the Ford deal. The UAW is now seeking a better deal from General Motors and Stellantis, who have both offered a 2% wage increase. In a twist, the UAW said that Ford workers would return to their shifts to apply pressure to GM and Stellantis while they negotiate.
The tentative agreement between Ford and the UAW is a major victory for the union and its members, who have been fighting for better wages and working conditions for months. The agreement is a testament to the power of organized labor and serves as an example of what can be achieved when workers come together and stand up for their rights. The UAW has made it clear that this is just the beginning of their fight for better wages and working conditions, and that they will continue to push for a better deal for all workers.
