by Laura Clawson, Daily Kos Labor
After reaching a tentative deal with General Motors, the UAW was expected to shift its focus to wrapping up negotiations with Chrysler, where, like GM, workers are prohibited from striking as a condition of the 2009 government aid the manufacturers received. Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne had previously been publicly displeased when UAW President Bob King missed a meeting with Chrysler to stay in negotiations with GM.
Instead, though, the union's contract with Chrysler has been extended once again, and Ford has become the focus of negotiations. Ford is currently the most successful U.S. auto manufacturer, and workers retain the right to strike:
The talks with Ford are also complicated by an unsettled contract grievance.The union has said the company broke a pledge to treat workers equally when it restored raises and 401(k) matches for white-collar workers without making a similar payout to factory workers.
There is also simmering resentment among UAW workers at Ford over Chief Executive Alan Mulally's compensation last year of $26.5 million, which UAW President Bob King called "morally wrong."
The UAW also may seek to have Ford shift work from Mexico to U.S. plants, something it touted in its deal with GM. Ford builds the Fusion mid-sized and Fiesta small cars in Mexico. Ford also has an engine plant in Mexico.
UAW members at GM still have to vote on their contract.
Comments