Supply Chain Updates: October 14th

10/14/2011

UAW reaches tentative deal with Chrysler as some Ford plants reject contract

The United Auto Workers union (UAW) reached a tentative agreement Wednesday with Chrysler on a new four-year national labor contract.  Chrysler workers and local union leaders are expected to review the deal and complete a ratification vote over the next two weeks.

The tentative accord with Chrysler comes amidst news that local unions in Chicago and two Michigan towns rejected the tentative contract UAW established with Ford last week.  As of Thursday, the national tally showed that more Ford workers had voted against the proposed deal than for it, but many of the largest union locals have yet to cast their votes.

UAW president Bob King said that despite the initial dissent from some of the locals, he remains confident that the deal will be ratified.  If it isn’t, Ford and the UAW will have to reopen negotiations.

Vehicle production continues at all manufacturers as UAW members have agreed to keep working as contracts are finalized.  Wheels remains in constant contact with the manufacturers, and we are following the progress of the negotiations very closely.  We will continue to keep clients apprised of any major developments.