LIMA, OH (WLIO) - Shortly after the UAW's livestream ended, a chorus of applause came from Lima's UAW Local 1219.
As applause fills the union hall, a bit of uncertainty has been relieving for some Lima Ford plant workers.
"It sounds like things are progressing at Ford so that is a good thing," commented Jeff Adams, UAW 1219 President.
The United Auto Workers president announced new proposals from Ford that include the elimination of an entire wage tier with Rawsonville components and Sterling Axle employees. A reinstatement of cost of living adjustment that was suspended in 2009, the right to strike over plant closures, as well as income security for up to 2 years with health care, and an enhanced profit sharing formula that would have resulted in a 13.3% increase for the average employee in payouts, that would extend to temporary employees with at least 90 days of employment, and conversation of all temporary employees with at least 90 days employment.
The news is a welcome one for those union members in Lima.
"We were all on edge this morning waking up and waiting to hear who is next, right? Who is going to be next?" said Douglas Collins, Job Security Representative at UAW Local 1219. "But it's great to see that nobody from Ford is going to be out next because Ford is making progress and negotiating in good faith."
Union members point to the proposed reinstatement of the cost of living adjustment as a major win, while also pointing to their efforts and work bearing fruit.
"Good companies don't make money off of exploitation of their employees. they make money off of their products and services," said Kyle Weisenburger, Skilled Trade District Representative at UAW Local 1219.
While the proposal from Ford is just that, a proposal, union members say that they are ready for any changes that may come as negotiations continue.
"It's good for us that Ford is progressing well, but we still stand ready. I got an updated strike schedule. So we know if we are called, we will be prepared," said Adams.
