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Ford takes Chrysler’s side, opposes GM-CAW deal.
3-13-9
Source: Leftlanenews

Ford Motor Company, agreeing with statements made yesterday by Chrysler, says that a deal struck earlier this with with the Canadian Auto Workers union doesn’t go far enough to save the automakers enough money. All three automakers have been forced to seek concessions from their unions to survive the market downturn.

“We believe the recently negotiated agreement between General Motors Canada and the Canadian Auto Workers will not keep Ford’s Canadian operations competitive in today’s global economy,” Joe Hinrichs, Ford group vice president for global manufacturing and labor affairs, said in a statement.

Ford has already reached a deal with the United Auto Workers in the United States that forces much higher concessions on its plant workers than the GM-CAW deal, which freezes wages, cuts paid time off and shifts some health care costs to employees.

Average wages at Ford plants in Canada are about $55.12 per hour, according to Automotive News’ research. The UAW will cut its average hourly wages in the United States to $50 by 2011 as part of the concessions, which also close the controversial, costly jobs bank.