DETROIT (AP) -- Ford Motor Co. workers have overwhelmingly rejected contract changes that would have allowed the automaker to cut labor costs, leaving Ford at a disadvantage to its Detroit rivals as it continues its struggle to return to profitability.
The United Auto Workers union had given local unions until Monday to complete voting. But a person briefed on the voting said Saturday that the contract changes have been rejected by large margins. The person asked not to be named because the UAW hasn't announced the results yet.
The UAW and Ford agreed to the contract changes several weeks ago, but Ford workers needed to ratify them. Ford has 41,000 UAW-represented workers.
Ford sought the deal to bring its labor costs in line with Detroit rivals Chrysler Group LLC and General Motors Co., both of which won concessions from the union as they headed into bankruptcy protection earlier this year. Under pattern bargaining, the three automakers usually match pay, benefits and other contract provisions.
But workers weren't convinced they should make more concessions, since Ford avoided bankruptcy and is considered healthier than its rivals. At least two Wall Street analysts are predicting that Ford could report a profit Monday when it announces third-quarter earnings.
Gary Chaison, a professor of labor relations at Clark University in Worcester, Mass., said the vote was a slap to UAW leadership. It's extremely rare for union members to oppose the union's recommended vote.

i believe they should be paid a fair wage, and should be provided health care and pensions.

but the key word is "fair."

what is fair for unskilled and uneducated labor? they should receive no more and no less, and should not be allowed to pursue a scorched earth policy that threatens to destroy the heart of american industry.

"They're doing a job that the company could just as easily fill with workers who would be more than happy to work for $12 an hour and do an equally competent job as the UAW."

Couldn't agree more.

Why are people surprised when a company spends $20 an hour (more after their insane benefits are factored in) to employ a guy that barely graduated high school to tighen screws, then the company becomes unprofitable. Of course it won't work out.

I thought robots do most of the work anyway?

You don't believe in a living wage?

that's true.

Where do I apply? How was Halloween? My boys brought home enough candy to give a bull elephant diabetes.

We don't need unions anymore, IMO. I don't have one. If I'm not happy with the conditions of my job, I go look for a new one.

I only had two pieces of candy. I'm so proud of myself!!!

Speaking of unions, my wife is working without a contract. The school district had a pay freeze across the board for teachers and administration because they were $500,000 in debt. The teachers were fine with that. Then the administration gave themselves raises and now want all teachers to take a pay cut. You gotta love it!!!!

That's sounds about right. Those administrators truly need and deserve their raises...

You should apply at your local school district.