Maumee Ford workers ratify new contract

11/13/2007

Workers at Ford Motor Co. s Maumee Stamping Plant have ratified a new national contract, and union members at a Ford engine plant in Lima, Ohio, are to vote today.

Bob Smotherman, president of UAW Local 1892 at the Maumee plant, said the four-year deal was approved Sunday by 60 percent of the 80 members eligible to vote. Production of body panels and other parts ended in September, and the plant is expected to be sold.

The Lima plant, which has about 700 hourly employees represented by Local 1219, makes 3.5-liter V-6 engines. According to a summary provided by the UAW, the factory will continuing making the engines through their life cycle and will get a new product.

Several other UAW locals at Ford plants have ratified the four-year agreement that covers 54,000 employees. Balloting ends today. The accord provides for signing bonuses, lower wages for some new hires, and a separate union-run retiree health care fund.