The United Auto Workers (UAW) and Ford have reached a tentative agreement towards a new contract that could possibly end the ongoing strike by the union at the Big Three automaker.
For over a month, the UAW had been protesting Ford’s failure to offer higher wages, a $9,000 signing bonus, extended health care benefits, and job security closure to their members. After the union decided to reject a “last, best, and final” offer from the automaker, talks between the two sides began to heat up.
Talks reached a fever pitch this past week as both sides negotiated back and forth until they reached a tentative agreement. While details have yet to be released, the union has confirmed that the agreement includes pay increases and other gains that will benefit their members.
In order to reach a final agreement, the union will now provide members with an online ballot in order to formally ratify the proposed contract. The union has noted that it will make a recommendation for a yes or no vote based on the details of the agreement. If a majority of members vote yes on the ballot, the new contract will go into effect.
The potential end to the strike marks a win for both the UAW and Ford. For the UAW, it is a much needed victory that will help ensure that its members receive the wages and benefits they deserve. For Ford, it marks the end of a contentious negotiation period while allowing the automaker to move forward in their continued efforts to remain competitive in the automotive industry.
The new contract will bring an end to the longest strike at the Big Three automaker since 1976. If ratified, it will become yet another milestone in the ongoing efforts of the UAW to secure better wages and benefits for its members.
“UAW & Ford Strike Tentative Deal, Ending Big Three Auto Strike!
