Ford Motor Company and the UAW reached a tentative agreement last night, ending the five-week-old strike. While the agreement requires ratification by the UAW rank and file, workers are returning to work already.

In announcing the tentative agreement, Ford directly confirmed that it was calling 20,000 employees back to work. UAW President Shawn Fain made the announcement via Facebook. While excellent news, it follows strike expansion by the UAW against Stellantis on Monday and GM on Tuesday when Fain called for UAW members to walk off the former’s Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (Ram trucks) and the latter’s Arlington assembly facility (Suburban, Tahoe and Escalade).

We’re excited to report a settlement between Ford and the UAW, while continuing our outreach and efforts to bring an end to strikes against GM and Stellantis for the benefit of all our Detroit 3, their employees and hundreds of suppliers throughout Michigan.

I remain encouraged by the efforts of Ford, GM and Stellantis and yet still deeply disturbed by the UAW’s inability to recognize a good deal when they have it.  Neither an ongoing strike nor one ended with an unrealistic settlement will benefit the long-term health and vitality of our domestic automotive industry.

John J. Walsh
MMA President & CEO
Call 517-487-8550
E-mail walsh@mimfg.org