Ford Workers Focus On Contract Talks

WAYNE (WWJ) - The UAW has changed focus and decided to concentrate on getting a deal with Ford. So, now that it's Ford's turn at the bargaining table, what do workers want?

One issue under the skin of Ford workers is how white collar employees had merit pay restored while rank-and-file didn't see any raises. When asked how much of a problem that is, one worker says, "It's not a big problem, it's an issue. We'd like to have it back. We work hard, we're the ones that make them the money and for them to give themselves their stuff back and not give to us, it's kind of one-sided."

John Hamlett, who works at Michigan Assembly says it's not a given they'll have a sweeter deal because of better times at the Blue Oval. "I think we deserve it, but are we gonna get it? That's another thing. You never know what you're going to get. That's why it's open for negotiations, we'll see how our union does this," he says. Hamlet also says he would like to see a return of cost of living adjustments and other givebacks that were lost in previous contract talks.

Another Michigan Assembly worker would like to see better pay and treatment for his part-time colleagues, whom he says get less pay for doing the same job and working just as hard. "I don't want to see all these part-timers get laid back off, it's not fair to them."

The UAW has not set a deadline for a deal at Ford.