UAW President Bob King shares a ceremonial handshake with Ford Chairman Bill Ford Jr.

Despite some differences over pay and jobs, officials from the Ford Motor Co. and the United Auto Workers Union insist they are committed to resolving their differences over terms of the new contract without a strike.

Talks were delayed by the Friday announcement of a new federal fuel economy standard – Ford CEO Alan Mulally and UAW President Bob King among those attending a White House ceremony.  It’s unclear whether that gave them an opportunity to discuss some of the very real challenges that face Ford, the last of the Detroit Big Three to sit down at the bargaining table.

A Bargain - It's Free!

The only domestic maker that could even face a strike – due to the terms of the 2009 General Motors and Chrysler bailouts – Ford has had more than 30 years of cordial relations with the UAW.  But both sides have nagging issues that they intend to resolve over the next six weeks.  Ford Ford, there’s the challenge of remaining competitive. For Ford workers, the emphasis will be on jobs – though the large bonuses paid to Mulally and other senior managers is a big sticking point, especially if workers are asked to make further concessions.

But as the cameras rolled while bargainers extended the traditional, ceremonial handshake, Ford Chairman Bill Ford aimed to set a positive tone, suggesting the event was, “like welcoming old friends back.”

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