Ford UAW Workers Reject Pact Changes

DETROIT (TheStreet) -- Workers at Ford(F Quote) have overwhelming rejected a set of contract changes intended to keep the company competitive with its rivals.

The United Auto Workers said 70% of Ford production workers and 75% of skilled trade workers voted to reject the agreement.

"The additional modifications that were recently negotiated contained product commitments which insured long-term job security for Ford workers," said UAW President Ron Gettelfinger and Vice President Bob King, in a prepared statement.

"While we will not be returning to the bargaining table, our International Executive Board, staff, local union leadership and membership will continue to work with Ford on a daily basis in an effort to keep new products coming into our plants," the union leaders said.

-- Written by Ted Reed in Charlotte, N.C. .