Ford and the UAW have reportedly agreed on the broad terms of a new round of buyouts that would slash thousands of jobs under the terms of a new contract, Reuters reported, citing people familiar with the ongoing talks.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


Contract negotiations between Ford and the UAW have been moving slowly after the union extended its previous contract at the No. 2 U.S. automaker so it could focus on wrapping up labour deals with General Motors and Chrysler.


Working-level negotiators from Ford and UAW met on Friday and worked through the weekend, the sources told Reuters.


But the union leadership, including UAW President Ron Gettelfinger, has remained focused on the final ratification votes on a tentative labour contract with Chrysler after that deal was thrown into jeopardy by surprisingly strong dissent by UAW members.


Ford has already made it clear it will push for deeper concessions from the union than those offered GM or Chrysler, a position negotiators made clear in early talks, according to two people briefed on the talks.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In addition, Ford has indicated it was looking for about 8,000 to 10,000 additional factory job cuts, one of those briefed on the negotiations said. That would be in addition to the 27,000 UAW jobs Ford had cut as of June.


Ford spokeswoman Marcey Evans told Reuters that the tally would be updated when the automaker reports its third quarter financial results. She declined to comment on the contract talks.


An additional 10,000 job cuts would mean Ford would have cut some 45 percent of its factory jobs as part of its turnaround plan, Reuters added.