End Strike at Ford: UAW and Automaker Reach Tentative Deal

The UAW (United Auto Workers) and Ford Motor Company have reached a tentative agreement that could potentially end the strike at the Big Three automaker. The historic strike, which began on September 15th, 2019 has seen workers from the UAW and Ford protesting all across the United States. The significant development was announced by the union on Wednesday, October 16th, 2019 after a new agreement was reached, and it is expected to be ratified in the coming weeks. This agreement covers topics such as job security, pay raises, and additional investments into Ford’s US plants and potentially new jobs. The agreement ensures that Ford will increase its wages and benefits for workers, as well as supporting those affected by the recent layoffs in the industry. It also promises to create new jobs at Ford’s US production facilities, while also ensuring existing workers’ job security and seniority rights. Dave Schulenberg, President of the UAW’s local unions, expressed his enthusiasm towards the agreement, stating “we are pleased to have reached an agreement with Ford that provides our members with much-needed job security, wage increases, and other benefits.” The strike has garnered national attention due to its huge impact on the auto industry. In addition to the thousands of workers on strike, it alone had put a major strain on Ford’s production and has been estimated to cost them several million dollars. The agreement will now bring some relief to the automaker, as well as the union members that had been affected. The agreement makes Ford the first of the Big Three automakers to reach a tentative agreement with the UAW. General Motors and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the other two big US automakers, still remain in negotiations and have yet to reach a similar agreement. It is expected the agreement between Ford and the UAW will be finalized soon after being ratified, potentially bringing to an end the historic strike that has continued for over a month. This agreement will not only bring relief to the affected workers, but also to the entire automotive industry across the United States.