Ford, UAW agree to tentative deal on contract

DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. reached a tentative deal with the United Auto Workers union on contract changes, a major step in the automaker’s efforts to keep labor costs in line with crosstown rivals.

Details of the pact were to be presented to factory-level union leaders from across the country at a meeting in downtown Detroit on Tuesday.

The deal includes concessions from the union, among them a wage freeze for entry-level workers and rules changes so workers can do more tasks.

The local union leaders will vote on whether to recommend the agreement to Ford’s 41,000 UAW members, but it could be a tough sell. Local union leaders have reported a large amount of opposition to more concessions because Ford is in better financial shape than competitors Chrysler LLC and General Motors Co.

The union and Ford gave no details of the deal, but a person briefed on its provisions said it includes a $1,000 bonus payable in March to every UAW worker based on improvements in quality and productivity.

The tentative deal also says the union must go into arbitration with Ford rather than strike in the next round of contract talks in 2011.

It also guarantees work for certain plants with new vehicles or parts, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the deal has not been voted on by members.