We really did think we'd have this thing done late this morning or early afternoon, but it's become more difficult than we had anticipated, ... There's a lot of very difficult issues related to job security at all locations.
We faced one of the most difficult challenges in bargaining that we have in a good many years, ... the Ford workers probably knew that more than anyone, given the amount of downtime they've had, given the uncertainty, the media speculation of workplace closures and layoffs.
This has been a very difficult and challenging set of negotiations with General Motors. The challenges we faced here didn't happen by chance. They happened because of the declining market share of General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler.
There's a good mood, ... People know the union, and the company, by the way, have done an excellent job in terms of dealing with what was a very difficult situation.
This is not the richest settlement ... There will be moderate improvements in most areas. I think it is a responsible response by Ford Motor Co. in some of the most difficult times that we've faced as an industry, which means our union has to face it as well.
This is not the richest settlement. There will be moderate improvements in most areas. I think it is a responsible response by Ford Motor Co. in some of the most difficult times that we've faced as an industry which means our union has to face it as well.
After some tough negotiations we have reached a tentative agreement. This has been a very difficult and challenging set of negotiations with General Motors and of course we anticipated that.