WHEN: Thursday Oct. 13, 2011
CONTACT: Wendy Thompson, h. 313-892-7974, c. 313-215-7672
We note that the UAW has retreated from its October 12 Facebook post stating that Ford would hire scabs if members reject the proposed four-year UAW-Ford contract. However we continue to be dismayed that UAW officers responsible for negotiating the tentative agreement would, in the midst of voting, state that they would immediately call a strike if a no vote prevailed. With absolutely no preparation for a strike, officials raising the idea are attempting to tip the voting scales by terrorizing the membership.
If a no vote prevails, the mandate would be to send the officials back to the negotiating table. In fact, the October 13 Detroit News quotes President Bob King as saying “If the union doesn’t ratify and we had to go back to the table….”
To further frighten members King goes on to say that subsequent negotiations might be conducted in a worse economic situation. Yet Ford is making huge profits and has a nest egg of $33.5 billion. Just this March it awarded CEO Alan Mulhally and Chair of the Board Bill Ford, Jr. $98 million in stock. That is more money than a 4% wage increase for every Ford wage worker!
If a no vote prevails, it will be because workers do not want to institutionalize two tier wages and benefits at Ford. If a no vote prevails, it will be because workers have not seen a wage increase in six years and with the loss of a cost-of-living allowance (COLA), they see their frozen wages being eaten up by inflation. If a no vote prevails, it will be because speed up is taking its toll on their bodies. If a no vote prevails, it is because each job and each plant must be saved. We oppose the closing of the Walton Hills, Ohio stamping plant and we stand with our sisters and brothers who are holding “Occupy the Gate” to stop Twin Cities Assembly from closing.
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