For Release: Tuesday, October 13, 2009

UAW Ford Council delegates vote to recommend modifications to 2007 labor agreement

DETROIT – Delegates to the UAW Ford Council, representing workers in UAW Ford facilities across the United States, voted overwhelmingly to recommend ratification of modifications to the 2007 UAW Ford labor agreement.

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger, right, and Vice President Bob King, who directs the union’s National Ford Department, talk with reporters after the UAW Ford Council meeting Oct. 13, 2009.

“We appreciate the support of the UAW Ford Council for the work accomplished by our negotiating team during these discussions with Ford,” said UAW President Ron Gettelfinger. “This agreement is another step in meeting the challenges of a very difficult time in the U.S. auto industry, and we look forward to presenting it to UAW Ford workers.”

The modified agreement has also been recommended for ratification by the UAW Ford National Negotiating Committee and by the UAW International Executive Board.

“Every day we have discussions with Ford, and we are always looking for further opportunities to protect our active and retired members,” said UAW Vice President Bob King, who directs the UAW Ford Department. “With the current proposals we have protected our retirees and won important additional product and investment commitments for our active members. We’re glad to have the strong support of the UAW Ford Council for our efforts. The final decision will now be up to UAW Ford workers.”

The modified agreement will be presented to UAW Ford workers at upcoming explanation and ratification meetings.