DETROIT — The United Auto Workers union said it expects to finish voting today on concessions that would help Ford Motor Co. stay competitive with its Detroit-area counterparts receiving federal aid.
At least two UAW unions rejected the contract last week, but it is likely to be approved. Results are due today.
Workers at Local 892 in Saline, Mich., said “no” by 76 percent to 24 percent. Members in Lima, Ohio, also rejected the modifications.
But last week, workers at one of Ford’s largest locals — Local 900 — approved the contract. The union in Wayne, Mich., represents 3,900 workers.
The contract freezes wages and eliminates the “jobs bank” that pays workers most of their wages while they’re laid off. The agreement also would allow payments to a union-run trust for retiree health care to be paid in stock.
Some workers support the changes because they will help Ford survive, but others are angry that it results in a loss of pay and job protections. A group of Ford hourly workers and retirees has circulated a flier urging members to vote against the contract.
Ford, which is not seeking government loans, reached an agreement with the UAW last month to amend its current contract.
General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC are seeking similar changes with their union workers, a requirement of the $17.4 billion the companies have received in federal aid so far.
The companies are still negotiating with the UAW, and no formal agreement has been reached. Chrysler and GM are required to bring their labor costs in line with those of foreign auto companies’ plants in the U.S.
Under terms of their loan agreements, progress must be made by March 31.
GM and Chrysler are seeking an additional $21.6 billion in government aid.
Shares of Ford fell 6.1 percent, or 11 cents, to close at $1.70 Friday.
