Bob King, the likely United Auto Workers chief-to-be, said this week that he and the UAW would like to see some appreciation from the automakers for all their sacrifices as the companies begin slowly to get back on their feet. King's comments were directed at least in part at Ford. Hourly union employees at Ford have filed grievances against the company for merit pay, 401k contributions, and several other benefits to salaried white collar workers but not hourly blue collar employees. King said that there was an equality of sacrifice from both management and workers for the company, and now there ought to be an equality of gain as well. However, King's comments are not yet a promise for trouble come contract time in a few years. He recognizes that there is no way to tell now what the economic situation will be then.
See "Incoming UAW chief: In rebound, automakers should reward union", Brent Snavely, Detroit Free Press, May 13, 2010