UAW Leaders at Ford Overplayed Hand

Later, in a prepared statement Monday afternoon, Joe Hinrichs, vice president for global manufacturing and labor, said Ford appreciates the changes the union has made and "is disappointed that the additional changes were not ratified."

The earlier union deals "went most of the way in moving Ford to competitive parity with foreign-owned automakers," Hinrichs said. "The additional modifications we sought recently were designed to honor pattern bargaining and provide Ford with similar additional efficiencies as those ratified this year for our domestic competitors.

"Moving forward, we will work with the UAW to discuss the next steps to ensure Ford remains competitive so we can continue to make product commitments and invest in our manufacturing facilities here in the United States," he said.

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

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