Automotive — 3

Ford technicians have formed a group that is widely known as “FlatRateTech". They allege that Ford’s unfair warranty compensation program is costing technicians thousands of dollars a year in lost income. Ford pays auto technicians and dealers a “flat rateÓ for warranty repairs, regardless of how much time it actually takes to make the repair. By setting unrealistically low repair times, Ford can reduce the amount it pays to dealerships and technicians performing the repairs, leaving it to technicians and dealers to make up for short repair times.

FlatRateTech is an organization “created for and by Ford and Lincoln Mercury service technicians solely to speak as one loud voice rather than 50,000 smaller voices," according to their website. The fast growing site offers forums for Ford customers, technicians and dealers to exchange information and has a sign-up form for Ford technicians to join the planned class action suit.

The IAM supports auto technicians in this planned nationwide class action suit against Ford Motor Company. The IAM represents thousands of auto and truck technicians and is committed to improving the lives of workers in the industry. The IAM represents approximately 45,000 auto and truck technicians and is one of the largest industrial trade unions in North America. The IAM has a total of 5,319 Ford dealerships throughout Canada and the Eastern, Midwest, Southern and Western Territories.

Organizing

The IAM has renewed and strengthened its commitment to organize new car dealerships in the United States and Canada. Meetings have been held with the Directing Business Representatives from the top 10 Automotive districts and local lodges, as well as the International President, Organizers and Grand Lodge Staff. The purpose of these meetings was to develop a comprehensive Automotive Organizing Program that could be used by Automotive and non-Automotive districts and local lodges to organize new car dealerships.