UAW Comments on Ford Restructuring Plan Announcement

DETROIT, Jan. 11 -- ``The UAW and our members have been through difficult times with Ford Motor Company and other employers before. And one lesson from these hard times is the vital importance of strong collective bargaining agreements, like the current UAW-Ford national agreement, that protect workers' rights and the economic security of their families. Communities and the employers themselves also benefit from the stability our contracts afford,'' said UAW President Stephen P. Yokich.

``Because of our contract, Ford has been required to plan its restructuring in a way that respects the seniority rights -- including job placement rights, income, pension, health care, and many other protections of UAW-Ford members. We have made it clear to Ford officials that we will fully enforce our contract,'' said UAW Vice President Ron Gettelfinger, who directs the UAW National Ford Department.

``Moreover, the timing of these actions, which are based on the company's projections, gives us the opportunity in the days and months ahead to forcefully make our case for the workers in the impacted locations,'' Gettelfinger added.

``The UAW's history of using constructive relationships with employers to get through tough times has been proven many times over,'' Yokich said. ``Despite its current problems, Ford is a fundamentally healthy company, and we are confident that it will be around for a long time to come.''

``Ford has great strengths and resources to draw upon -- most importantly, an experienced, highly-skilled workforce that's committed to improving product quality and customer satisfaction,'' added Gettelfinger. ``No one has contributed more to Ford's past success than UAW-Ford members, and no one will play a more vital role getting Ford back on track.''

UAW agreements with the Big Three automakers have long included extensive job and income security provisions that protect the pay, health care, and other benefits of laid-off workers.