In a rare move, Ford Motor Co. Executive Chairman Bill Ford on Monday called on the United Auto Workers union to complete negotiations and end the “acrimonious” talks that have dragged on for months.
The Dearborn automaker and the UAW have been in the midst of contentious contract negotiations since July as the union is pushing the company to create new jobs, among other measures, while Ford wants to remain competitive.
In a statement, Ford said it was time for the union and the company to reach a fair, equitable and reasonable agreement that would bring the relationship between the two sides back to a more positive place.
Ford said he was disappointed the two sides had not yet been able to come to an agreement, as nearly 50,000 UAW-represented Ford workers have been on strike since late September.
“The prolonged acrimonious bargaining has taken a toll on our employees, their families, our dealers and our suppliers,” Ford said. “Now is the time for the UAW and Ford to come together and finalize an agreement that builds a better future for our employees, our customers, our dealers and Ford Motor Company as well.”
He added that the company is hopeful that an agreement can be reached soon.
