The United Auto Workers union announced on Wednesday that it has reached a tentative contract agreement with Ford, potentially bringing a close to the nearly 6-week-long strikes against major automakers in Detroit.
The four-year deal, still subject to approval by 57,000 union members at Ford, could set a pattern for agreements with General Motors and Stellantis. The UAW is urging all workers to return to their jobs, putting pressure on the other automakers to negotiate.
This breakthrough agreement includes a 25% general wage increase for workers at Ford, along with cost of living raises that will result in a pay increase of over 30% to more than $40 per hour. This deal surpasses the 23% pay increases previously offered by Ford, GM, and Stellantis.
In addition, temporary workers will see greater wage increases than they have received in the past 22 years combined, while retirees will receive annual bonuses. The UAW considers this agreement to be the most lucrative per member since the presidency of Walter Reuther, who led the union from 1946 to 1970.
The union’s national leadership council will vote on whether to recommend the agreement to members, with a presentation and explanation of the deal scheduled for Sunday.
The strikes have come to an end just in time for the workers to return to their jobs. The agreement represents a significant victory for the unions in securing fair pay and benefits, and President Joe Biden voiced his support for the power of employers and employees coming together at the bargaining table.
Overall, this breakthrough deal between Ford and the UAW sets a new precedent for the working class within the auto industry, aiming to improve conditions and benefits for workers and continuing the transition to electric vehicles.
