Let's see now. In January 2008 Ford worker's gave $800 million in concessions that mainly went to create Jobs in India. Now in 2009 Ford needs more money from the UAW, CAW worker's to build another Plant in India with maybe a promise of a handful of future jobs here in North America. Is there something wrong with this picture.*******************************************************************************************************************
UAW wants new jobs in return for Ford deal
Commitments for more work crucial as automaker asks for concessions
BY BRENT SNAVELY
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER
Some UAW members told the Free Press on Monday that Ford Motor Co. must promise them new work or jobs -- or the automaker's request for contract changes is likely to be rejected.
That's largely because autoworkers say they have contributed to Ford's growing success.
For weeks, Ford has been negotiating with the UAW for a labor deal that more closely matches those obtained by General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC on the eve of their bankruptcies this spring.
But winning more concessions now will be difficult unless Ford's commitments for more work are substantial, said Bill Johnson, chairman of the Wayne Assembly Plant for the UAW Local 900.
"If there is product tied to it, that may be a different story," Johnson said.
Neither Ford nor UAW leaders would comment.
Workers resist Ford's pact push
UAW leaders from Ford Motor Co. plants across the country are slated to gather today in Detroit to be briefed on contract changes the automaker is seeking, but there is already resistance to making adjustments because of Ford's improving performance.
Ford is asking the UAW to agree to change its labor contract to more closely match deals reached with General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC last spring -- when both companies were poised to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
But that request will be difficult, given Ford's improvements in market share and financial performance.
Ford has gained a full point of market share in the United States this year. On Monday, Ford also reported its market share in Europe exceeded 10.1% -- the company's best market-share performance in Europe since September 2001.
For the first half of the year, Ford has posted a profit of $834 million, although much of that is attributed to onetime special charges. When it reports third-quarter financial results this month, Ford is expected to lose 21 cents per share, and Ford itself acknowledges it faces a challenging road ahead given its heavy debt obligations.
Ford needs to argue to the UAW "that it's the end of the world if they don't get this," said Sean McAlinden, an economist for the Center for Automotive Research.
Gary Walkowicz, a bargaining committeeman at Ford's Dearborn truck plant, expects UAW leaders to be briefed on a potential wage freeze for entry-level workers; consolidation of skilled-trades classifications and a form of a no-strike clause.
A person familiar with the discussions said Ford is expected to offer some temporary employees the option of becoming permanent Ford employees at an entry-level wage negotiated in 2007. The no-strike pledge would take the form of a requirement for binding arbitration for some issues, the person said.
Both Ford and UAW officials declined to comment.
To help sell UAW contract changes in the past, Ford and other automakers have made additional commitments for work at their U.S. factories. UAW members told the Free Press that such work assurances would be necessary to get approval for new contract changes, especially given Ford's positive momentum.
With the promise of about 100 jobs at his plant, Brian Pannebecker, a worker at Ford's Sterling Heights axle plant, is optimistic the UAW would approve a new deal.
http://www.freep.com/article/20091013/BUSINESS01/910130321/1002/NLETTER01/UAW-wants-new-jobs-in-return-for-Ford-deal?source=nletter-business&template=fullarticle*******************************************************************************************************************
Looks like Ford has a Better Idea ! 
