Ford Tells UAW More Job Cuts Needed

Detroit, MI (AHN) - In a meeting on Friday between Ford and the United Auto Workers union, executives presented plans for further job cuts for hourly union workers.

"The world has changed dramatically over the past few months for our business and our industry," said Ford's Joe Hinrichs according to Dow Jones Newswire. "We know we must move swiftly to face those challenges - and we are."

Hinrichs gave praise to UAW's leadership and expressed that they arrive at the best solutions when the two work together. Ford plants have made good progress in becoming more competitive, but more work is still needed, said Hinrich.

Ford has reduced its U.S. hourly work force by about 40,000 over the past three years to roughly 54,000 workers under broad buyout offers.

UAW members who attended the meeting declined to comment on the topics discussed.

Ford, General Motors and Chrysler continue to actively restructure their business models as their sales continue to get hit by sluggish SUV and truck sales. All three automakers have announced production cutbacks in the past quarter.