Ford, UAW see opposition to contract changes

10/22/2009

DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Motor Co. and the United Auto Workers union are running into opposition from some workers who don't want proposed contract changes.

A union official at a Ford plant near Detroit says workers honked horns and shouted down the union's top Ford negotiator Wednesday evening as he tried to speak about the proposed changes.

In a letter to workers, union leaders urged workers to vote against the changes because they would limit workers' right to strike.

Ford and the UAW reached the agreement last week to bring Ford's labor costs in line with General Motors Co. and Chrysler LLC. Workers are starting to vote on the changes this week.

The changes would freeze entry-level pay and change work rules. They would give workers a $1,000 bonus for ratifying the contract.