UAW ratifies Ford contract

The UAW announced Wednesday morning that its members have voted to ratify a new labor agreement with Ford Motor Co.

The union said 79% of UAW members voted in favor of the contract. Union production workers voted 81% in favor of the four-year pact. Skilled trades workers approved the contract by 71%, the union said.

“Our bargaining team negotiated a contract that protects wages, benefits and seniority for our active members and provides income and health care security for our retired members," UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said in a statement announcing the ratification.

The Ford deal brings ratification of labor agreements at all three Detroit automakers to a close, after four months of difficult negotiations, two short strikes and hard-fought battles over ratification.