UAW Reaches Tentative Agreement With Ford Over Rouge Plant

The United Auto Workers have had a momentous year, culminating with the historic 2023 contract and extending into 2024 with workers at Volkswagen overwhelmingly voting to join the union. Although company wide strikes are not expected until 2028, there have been times where it seemed like certain Ford workers could walk out if the company and the UAW remained at odds over longstanding issues. Fortunately for all parties involved, the latest tentative agreement got fleshed out right before the strike deadline.

According to the UAW, Local 600 Tool & Die Unit at the Ford Rouge Complex secured a deal aimed at resolving several issues. The union said the agreement contains provisions designed to enhanced job security amid the automaker’s increasing reliance on 3D printing. The UAW also said that the wage disparity for skilled trades has been eliminated. The approximately 500 Rogue members covered by the deal are now set to review the details of the agreement and will subsequently hold a ratification vote within the week. The UAW says the agreement will “set a new standard for the skilled trades at Ford.”

“The members at the Rouge Complex understand the power of strength in numbers,” said UAW Vice President Chuck Browning. “They stuck together and showed Ford that they were willing to stand up if necessary to win what they deserve.”

Despite some key victories, the UAW is still at odds with Stellantis and one major Ford supplier. It filed unfair labor charges against the parent company of Ram and Jeep earlier this month and accused Webasto of union busting. Webasto currently produces the Ford Bronco hardtop, and workers at one of its Americans plants ratified their first UAW contract in May 2024. CEO Jim Farley stated that the 2023 contract has influenced the companies future plans in the United States. Currently, the UAW will not be present at Ford’s BlueOval City joint venture projects.