Quality Language Strengthened

UAW members at Ford have made exceptional strides in quality since the last agreement, as evidenced by recent studies by Consumer Reports, numerous J.D. Power awards and other recognition. These achievements result from the hard work and talents of all UAW members at Ford and the contract language we have negotiated that ensures members of our union will continue to have a say in how we build our products.

During this round of bargaining, our UAW negotiating team won renewed commitments to maintain and extend the role of union members in quality issues, including a commitment to keep Quality Operating System Coordinators (QOSC) a part of the National Agreement, as well as additional commitments on training, contact with suppliers and quality benchmarking.

Quality Operating System Coordinators

Quality Operating System Coordinators (QOSCs) were established in Powertrain Operations in 2001 by the UAW Ford bargaining team. This program was expanded to Vehicle Operations and Stamping in the 2003 national negotiations. Our 2007 UAW team maintained language that establishes this valuable quality program as a formal part of the contract as well as maintaining language that allows QOSCs to investigate and use the best quality practices from other Ford plants within their division.

CQS Training for UAW Quality Representatives

It was agreed that upon ratification, a one-year Certified Quality Specialist training program will be developed in conjunction with Wayne State University.

Enhanced Voice for Workers at Ford Customer Service Division

To improve service to our customers and to enhance our job security, UAW negotiators won language which will increase the involvement of UAW members in decision making within the Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD).

Previous contract language on the synchronous flow process did not serve the intended goal of improving productivity across the board in FCSD facilities.

The proposed contract replaces the old language with a new process to be developed jointly by local union leadership, the UAW National Ford Department and Ford division management, focusing on enhancing team performance. The Ford plant manager and UAW plant chair will be responsible for local implementation of the new process, which will be regularly monitored by both parties.

The company and the union also agreed to develop a FCSD Network Review joint committee composed of local plant chairpersons, building managers, the UAW National Ford Department and division management. The committee will jointly investigate best practices to see if they can be applied to other facilities. All parties must jointly agree prior to any changes or modifications.

Benchmarking, Quality Stickers to Continue

The UAW bargaining committee maintained the ability to attend and participate in benchmarking activities to obtain feedback on quality. Quality window stickers will continue to be provided.

Six Sigma Black Belt Training Now for Hourly Workers

Our negotiators bargained a commitment that affords hourly employees the opportunity to become Six Sigma Black Belts at their manufacturing facility. This training is newly negotiated into the bargaining unit.

Targeted Training to be Examined

The proposed language also calls on the National Quality Committee to contract with the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council, a national group that sets standards for all manufacturing, to review and assess the effectiveness of the Targeted Training Process.

Contract Maintains, Enhances Employee Support Programs

Despite the economic difficulties caused by Ford’s loss of market share, our negotiators won a commitment from the company to maintain and enhance key programs that support UAW Ford workers and their families. These include wellness programs, assistance with family issues, dependent care, Family Councils and access to rehab facilities.

Wellness Programs Protected

Recognizing the need to promote healthy lifestyles while also identifying opportunities for cost savings in health care, the union and company have made changes to maintain access for our members to the three most widely used wellness programs: weight management, stress management and smoking cessation.

UAW-represented Ford workers with appropriate health care coverage will have access to these programs at no cost through their health care provider. Those whose health plans do not cover these activities will pay no more than 20 percent of the cost, up to a maximum of $40. The company will be responsible for all costs in excess of $40.

Rehab Facilities Available to All

Onsite rehabilitation facilities can now be used by members with nonoccupational injuries.

Dependent Care Assistance Program Maintained

UAW bargainers turned back a company proposal to eliminate this program. Our team retained this language.

Family Councils

Family Councils will remain intact and support volunteerism and community outreach by active and retired workers.

Joint Committee to Assist With Family Issues

While we have had to close child care centers, our commitment to family continues. Our negotiators won language to establish a first-time Joint Work-Family Committee (JWFC). The JWFC will collect information on the needs of UAW members and their families and identify relevant Ford benefits and policies.

The JWFC will propose options to assist with family needs due to the special issues members face. The JWFC will make recommendations based on its studies and coordinate work-family programs with the two other Michigan-based automakers as a way of achieving cost savings.

The committee will also study Web-based options for delivering information to our members on adoption, child care, elder care and parenting education.

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