UAW Tool And Die Workers, Dearborn Ford Plant Avoid Strike

DEARBORN, MI — United Auto Workers tool and die members at Ford Motor Company's River Rouge complex in Dearborn reached a tentative local agreement with the company Thursday to avoid a strike, according to union representatives.

The union workers threatened to strike if contract issues, such as job security, wage parity and work rules were not resolved by Thursday.

The agreement secures job security for the workers against advancements in 3D printing, as well as securing an agreement to add more die workers, according to union leaders.

In addition, union leaders said the deal will eliminate the wage disparity for skilled trades and ensure fair and equal pay across the board.

UAW workers will now look over the details of the agreement and hold a ratification vote sometime within the next few days, according to union leaders.

"The members at the Rouge Complex understand the power of strength in numbers," UAW Vice President Chuck Browning said. "They stuck together and showed Ford that they were willing to stand up if necessary to win what they deserve."

Ford's Rouge complex in Dearborn has roughly 6,000 workers, including 500 in the tool and die unit, according to union leaders.

The deal comes after 525 UAW workers at Eaton Aerospace in Jackson walked off the job last week after months of failed talks. As of Thursday, they were still on strike.