UAW Shifts to Hard-Up Ford

With the United Auto Workers close to ratifying their contract with Chrysler, the union is shifting focus to hammering out a deal with Ford. Negotiations with Ford may prove the toughest of all because Ford is the domestic car maker most in need of cuts, reports the Wall Street Journal. Ford posted a net loss of $12.6 billion in 2006.

A local union official conceded that the company "is still pretty sick." He said union members realize Ford is in trouble and are prepared to approve a contract  like the GM deal that included some compromises to help the company. Ford is reportedly seeking to expand the definition of "noncore" workers who get less pay and fewer benefits. (More United Auto Workers stories.)