Unemployment

[Lamplighter]

Ford went thru the early 2010's pretty much unscathed by the big banks.
Now the United Auto Workers union has regained it's voice and influence.

This headline got my attention because I own a Ranger,
and was very disappointed when Ford announced
they were killing production of this model pickup.

Ford deal with UAW brings back Ranger pickup
USA Today - Alisa Priddle and Brent Snavely, Detroit Free Press - 11/9/15

United Auto Workers union leaders signed off on a tentative agreement with Ford
on Monday that would deliver $10,000 in signing bonuses to every worker and
$9 billion in new U.S. product investments, retaining or creating 8,500 jobs.
Now it is time for the members to vote.

The new-product investments include a commitment by Ford to bring
its Ranger midsize pickup back to America and to revive the storied Bronco nameplate.
Both would be built at the Michigan Assembly Plant which will stop
making the Ford Focus and C-Max families of vehicles there in 2018.
...

Beyond this headline story, it is truly remarkable what the Union has negotiated...

Ford workers will be eligible for about $8,500 in signing bonuses
as well as other goodies including profit sharing, a $1,500 annual
inflation protection bonus and possible $250 annual competitiveness bonus,
according to people familiar with the deal.

Additionally, $1,500 of the profit sharing amount due would be pulled ahead
so that workers would get a tidy $10,000 upon ratification.
...
Retirees get $1,000 in four annual $250 cash payments or gift cards.
Surviving spouses get a total of $500 over the four years in $125 annual payments.
They also can use the revived Legal Services Plan.
...
[It goes on and on...]

Hooray UAW

.