Canadian Union Leader Slams Ford Proposal

The head of the Canadian Auto Workers union said he was shocked by Ford Motor Co.’s initial contract proposal and that it would be nearly impossible to reach an agreement before the midnight Tuesday deadline. “It’s so bad, it jeopardizes their ability to get a settlement without a work stoppage,” said CAW President Buzz Hargrove. Ford had offered a $340 (U.S.) lump-sum payment in the first year and 1% wage increases in the second and third years. The CAW represents about 13,000 Ford workers. First offers rarely reflect what either management or the union expects to get. “We’re not going to negotiate any place other than at the bargaining table,” said Ford spokesman Jim Hartford. Hargrove didn’t threaten to stop bargaining with Ford. The union’s contracts with General Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler also expire Sept. 21. The CAW is seeking its pattern-setting agreement with Ford. Ford’s engine plant in Windsor, Canada, supplies the Expedition, Excursion, Econoline and F-Series pickups and Lincoln Navigator.