Automotive
UAW reaches tentative pact with tool and die workers at Ford truck plant
Written by Michael Cowden
September 26, 2024
The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has reached a tentative labor agreement with Ford, averting a potential strike at a truck plant in Dearborn, Mich.
UAW Local 600, which represents tool and die workers at the Dearborn assembly plant, had threatened to go on strike on Thursday. The last-minute deal kept that from happening.
Local 600 secured language protecting workers from the impacts of advancements in 3D printing. The tentative agreement would also eliminate wage disparity among skilled workers, the UAW said.
The union has slated ratification votes over the next few days.
What they’re saying
“The members at the Rouge Complex understand the power of strength in numbers,” UAW Vice President Chuck Browning said in a statement on Wednesday night.
“They stuck together and showed Ford that they were willing to stand up if necessary to win what they deserve,” he added.
“We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement on a new local labor contract covering Dearborn Tool & Die employees at Ford’s Rouge complex,” a Ford spokesperson said in a statement to SMU.
“Consistent with the ratification process, the UAW will share details with its members,” she added.
Background
The Dearborn plant is near the Rouge River and is often referred to as “the Rouge.” It is one of Ford’s flagship plants and makes the F-150 pickup, the best-selling passenger vehicle in the US. Ford’s corporate headquarters are also located in Dearborn.
Approximately 500 workers are employed at the Dearborn tool and die unit. All told, the Dearborn truck plant employs nearly 3,800 people, according to Ford’s website.
A strike among tool and die workers had the potential to shut down the entire facility. That’s because other workers at the plant could have joined the strike.
The F-150 shifted to an aluminum body in 2015. Its frame continues to be made from steel.
Michael Cowden
Read more from Michael CowdenLatest in Automotive
ArcelorMittal to start building Calvert NGO electrical steel line this year
ArcelorMittal announced on Thursday that it will begin the construction of its new $1.2-billion electrical steel mill in Alabama later this year. The steelmaker said it is proceeding with plans to build the new greenfield mill near its existing AM/NS joint venture in Calvert, Ala. The ArcelorMittal Calvert plant will have an annealing pickling line, […]
North American auto assemblies fall in December
North American auto assemblies dropped in December, a sharp 22.6% fall below November, reaching the lowest mark in over three years. Assemblies were also down 5.7% year on year (y/y), according to LMC Automotive data. December’s assemblies reached the lowest total since July 2021. Sentiment remains tempered as carmakers continue to downgrade and adjust vehicle […]
US light-vehicle sales accelerate again in December
US light-vehicle (LV) sales jumped to an unadjusted 1.49 million units in December, a rise of 9.6% from November and 2% from a year ago, according to data from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis. On an annualized basis, LV sales were 16.8 million units in December, up from 15.6 million units the month prior […]
Stellantis seeks new CEO after Tavares steps down
The move comes less than two months after Tavares announced that he would step down in early 2026.
North American auto assemblies reach 14-month high in October
North American auto assemblies rallied in October, rising 11.3% above September, reaching the best output year to date. Assemblies were also up 7% year on-year (y/y), according to LMC Automotive data.