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In rare move, Ford executive chair calls on UAW to make a deal and end 'acrimonious' talks [1]

['Michael Wayland']

Date: 2023-10-16

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Executive Chair Bill Ford on Monday warned that an ongoing strike by the United Auto Workers threatens the future livelihood of the company as well as the American automotive industry.

Ford, who has been a part of UAW negotiations since 1982, pleaded with union members and leaders to work with the company, instead of against it, to reach a tentative deal to "end to this acrimonious round of talks."

Such comments by the great-grandson of company founder Henry Ford are uncharacteristic during contract talks with the UAW.

"We are at a crossroads," Ford said during a news conference at the company's massive Rouge Complex in metro Detroit. "Choosing the right path is not just about Ford's future and our ability to compete. This is about the future of the American automobile industry."

Ford, ahead of speaking on stage, told reporters he wanted to "elevate" the conversation about the contract negotiations. Ford said he didn't want to get personal in his remarks because "it doesn't matter" at this point.

"The UAW's leaders have called us the enemy in these negotiations. But I will never consider our employees as enemies. This should not be Ford versus the UAW," Ford said. "It should be Ford and the UAW vs. Toyota and Honda, Tesla, and all the Chinese companies that want to enter our home."

UAW President Shawn Fain countered Ford's plea by ratcheting up the pressure.

"Bill Ford knows exactly how to settle this strike. Instead of threatening to close the Rouge, he should call up [Ford CEO] Jim Farley, tell him to stop playing games and get a deal done, or we'll close the Rouge for him," he said in a statement. "It's not the UAW and Ford against foreign automakers. It's autoworkers everywhere against corporate greed. If Ford wants to be the all-American auto company, they can pay all-American wages and benefits. Workers at Tesla, Toyota, Honda, and others are not the enemy — they're the UAW members of the future."

Ford did not threaten to close the Rouge Complex in his remarks. He did mention if American carmakers such as Ford lose to the competition, then jobs, future investments and "factories like the one we are in today" will be lost.

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[1] Url: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/16/uaw-strikes-bill-ford-calls-on-union-to-make-a-deal.html

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