Union workers at Stellantis and Ford close to ratifying deals that would end lengthy labor disputes

By TOM KRISHER
AP Auto Writer

DETROIT (AP) — Members of the United Auto Workers union were close to approving contract agreements with Stellantis and Ford on Friday with voting at both companies overwhelmingly in favor. Only a handful of facilities at each company have yet to cast ballots in voting that ends Saturday. On Friday, workers at Ford had voted 68.2% in favor. At a huge pickup truck plant in Dearborn, Michigan, the vote was 78.7% to ratify the pact, giving it an insurmountable lead of more than 12,600 votes. At Stellantis, the deal was approved by large margins at two big Detroit plants. Overall, 68.4% favor ratification with only three small facilities uncounted. If the deals are approved, Ford and Stellantis would join General Motors in ratifying the contracts, ending a contentious labor dispute.