United Auto Worker union members at Ford’s Kansas City, Missouri truck and SUV plant voted down a proposed labor contract on Sunday, throwing the automaker’s labor plans into question. Ford is seeking UAW concessions similar to those given to General Motors and Chrysler.
UAW Local 249 voted down the proposed concessions by a wide 1,712 to 147 margin, marking a 92 percent opposed rate. The new contract would have frozen entry-level wage rates, consolidated skilled trades and enacted a no-strike clause. The proposed contract would have extended until 2015.
The Kansas City plant produces the Ford F-150, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner.
Although similar contracts have been passed at two other Ford plants, the majority of Ford workers don’t feel the concessions are necessary as Ford is in better financial condition that GM or Chrysler. The Kansas City rejection marks the third at a Ford plant.
However, with new contracts now in place between the UAW and GM and Chrysler, Ford appears to be at a distinct disadvantage. Pending the approval of the UAW labor concessions, Ford’s labor costs will be far greater than at either of its cross-town rivals, possibly putting the Blue Oval in jeopardy of its own bankruptcy filing down the road.
10/26, 5:26 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
Dang it. Now my Ford stock fell.
10/26, 5:35 PM
posted by:
rpmfan
Don’t those idiot union people get it? This is the same crap that put them and the other 2 in the hole. Only reason why Ford has money right now is because of that huge loan they got 3 years ago, which helped prevent them from having to file for bankruptcy. With this crap, its only a matter of time, and frankly, I won’t blame Ford for filing either. They are at a disadvantage right now anyway.
UAW, great job, morons.
10/26, 6:22 PM
posted by:
FSVT_ROCK
not to worry, Ford is going to find some other way to make this work. UAW has been killing US Auto market for long time, and they really need to back off this time. More they ask from these company, more people is going to be unemployee.
10/26, 7:29 PM
posted by:
ojfl
It almost seems like these people want Ford to also get a bailout and the get a large share of the company such as what happened with GM and Chrysler. But if I were in Ford’s shoes before going to the government I would transfer the companiy to the bondholders.
10/26, 8:14 PM
posted by:
JSi
Those lazy-a$$ undereducated overpaid motherfockers!
i recently visited two GM, 1 Ford and 1 Chrysler plants in Mexico… i don’t know why Mexicans are under the stereotype that they are lazy, these guys work in the same conditions as the UAW, the guys are actually technicians like they finished a technical career (unlike just highschool or less from UAW) they obviously don’t get paid as much, about 60% of what UAW get, their unions are not as strong but you know what, they are not jumping around like chimps and bitching about everything like the UAW, They get the job done with dignity. It’s just a business, they work and get paid no focking around like these UAW bitches. seriously looking at the UAW people, I’m just ashamed about the way they are, these guys are unbelievable!
They are a bunch of idiots and they deserve to get laid-off, their jobs are going overseas because they are lazy and do nothing about it. As an American, I just feel bad for the way we are letting all those jobs go to Mexico, China, India, Eastern Europe, etc. The way these people keep their jobs is actually by working harder, they prove that they can get the job done faster and better. I don’t think we can say the same about our guys right?
10/26, 10:31 PM
posted by:
Smegley Wanxalot
Ford should react by announcing the coming KUGA production will now be moved out of the USA to Mexico, and follow up by announcing plans for the longer term closure of this facility.
10/26, 11:32 PM
posted by:
jdasch1
When Ford announces that they are NOW going to build a new plant in Mexico, not USA, I wonder what the great UAW will do then. Probably nothing…until they cease to exist. The UAW is a dying union of thugs. Lower costs equal survival. If the car is made in Mexico, China or ??? Who really cares as long as it is properly put together and has a good warrenty. Bunch of entitled losers voted themselves out of a job.
10/27, 1:53 AM
posted by:
fordman
Hey everbody,Ford SUCKS! Fords claims to be making a profit,the union should tell them to shove it were the sun don’t shine! Time for Ford to suck the unions teet!
10/27, 4:16 AM
posted by:
The Stig
Ford should just xerox a copy of GM’s or Chrysler’s labor contract and change the names.
10/27, 8:20 AM
posted by:
MercMark
Its not the union guys its their leadership. The union bosses don’t want to lose their power, they don’t care about the workers getting laid off as long as there are enough left for them to suck dry.
10/27, 8:22 AM
posted by:
Borat
Can leopard (union) change its spots? Nah.
10/27, 10:49 AM
posted by:
masonicangel
Thats because the UAW sucks, cronies!
10/27, 1:12 PM
posted by:
03T4R
JSi, I couldn’t agree more. I’ve worked with Mexicans in the construction business. They busted their a**es, never complained, and were very respectful, unlike most American guys I’ve worked with. Screw the UAW, they’re destroying the American auto industry.