Following a six-week-long targeted strike last fall by the United Auto Workers (UAW), the union and Ford reached a tentative agreement that was ratified shortly thereafter. Following that win, the UAW has since set its sights on organizing other U.S.-based production plants – with mixed results – as well as select automotive suppliers. One of those suppliers – Webasto – voted to join the union last May, and now, its workers have ratified their first contract as well.
According to the UAW, 200 workers at the Webasto plant in Plymouth, Michigan voted to ratify their first contract after 96 percent of workers voted yes, which will result in a number of benefits including a 51 percent pay raise over three years. Workers at the Webasto plant produce a variety of convertible soft tops for Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, and also supply hard tops for the sixth-generation Ford Bronco.
“The company was mistreating us and doing whatever they wanted to do to the employees for years. People have been here for more than three years without a raise, which is unacceptable,” said Jammy Samuel, a Webasto Pilot Road UAW Local 3000 member on the Jeep Line. “We had enough. This contract will help protect us. The cost of living has gone up, so, the pay should go up as well. It’s that simple. Moving forward with this contract will help not only on our wages, but will help fairness and equality for everyone. I’m very excited about this contract, as are the rest of my coworkers at Webasto.”
After Webasto workers voted to join the union last year, a pair of other Ford suppliers took action as well, albeit in very different ways. LM Manufacturing – which makes seats for the Bronco – wound up giving its workers a raise, while Antolin Interiors USA, which produces instrument panels and door panels, also voted to join the UAW.
We’ll have more on Ford’s suppliers and the UAW soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford-UAW news, UAW news, and comprehensive Ford news coverage.
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