Strike Nears End

If skilled tradesmen throughout the country do not approve the tentative UAW agreement reached with the Ford Motor Company last week, the strike- now in its fourth week- will continue indefinitely.

The nation-wide vote was still being compiled as The Sun went to press, but indications were that skilled tradesmen- led by Local 600 in Dearborn- were rejecting the UAW-Ford agreement. Isolated production locals

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Strike End Nears

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have also turned down the tentative agreement, although most have ratified the pact.

UAW leaders are fearful that the Local 600 rejection of the contract may influence other undecided skilled trades votes.

Under the recently negotiated contract, UAW production workers will receive a $1.80 pay increase over the next three years, and skilled tradesmen will receive a $2.22 increase over the same period.

Other benefits negotiated are:

One paid day off per worker per month, to increase job security and to create new job opportunities.

Increased Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (SUB) for employees with 10 or more years seniority.

A retirees' bonus of $600 for 30 years of service.

A rebate of $200-300 on the purchase of a Ford auto.

A hearing-aid and family-vision-care program, along with increased dental care benefits.

If the contract is ratified by a majority of production and skilled trades workers, it will remain in effect for the next three years.