Mike Posted October 31, 2005 Report Share Posted October 31, 2005 THE DETROIT NEWS WAYNE, Mich. -- You know things are tense at work when management starts timing rest room breaks. But beleaguered Ford Motor Co. is doing just that. In a memo that was distributed last week to workers at Ford's Michigan Truck plant in Wayne, plant managers said too many of the factory's 3,500 hourly workers are spending more than the 48 minutes allotted per shift to use the bathroom. The extra-long breaks are slowing production of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator sport utility vehicles that are built there, the company said. "In today's competitive environment, it is important that Michigan Truck plant immediately address this concern to avoid the risks associated with safety, quality, delivery, cost and morale," the memo said. Several workers are crying foul. They say the real issue is that sales of the Expedition and Navigator have been plummeting for much of the year as high gasoline prices prompt consumers to switch to more fuel-efficient models. When times get tough, some managers at Michigan Truck get "petty," said Jody Caruana, a Michigan Truck hourly worker and a committee member for United Auto Workers Local 900, which represents workers at the plant. Ford is struggling to turn around its ailing North American auto business amid growing financial losses and declining U.S. market share. Ford lost $284 million in the third quarter, a drop of $550 million from the same period last year. The memo ends on an upbeat note: "We look forward to putting this concern behind us as we obtain your personal commitment in supporting our joint focus on embracing change." "MORE THAN 48 minutes??!" The good news is, starting Monday the company will be giving out free glasses of prune juice the help get production moving again! Source Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonJonSurfer Posted October 31, 2005 Report Share Posted October 31, 2005 If Ford can somehow convert that human waste to fuel...they'll be giving bonuses to those who can produce over 48 minutes. I'm no engineer, but it might just work.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcM Posted October 31, 2005 Report Share Posted October 31, 2005 Nothin better than using the restroom on company time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiggsUK Posted October 31, 2005 Report Share Posted October 31, 2005 What can people do for 48 minutes in the bog? On second thoughts, don't answer that... Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted November 1, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 1, 2005 Well, you can not say these employees "don't give a crap" about their job, now can you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DiggsUK Posted November 1, 2005 Report Share Posted November 1, 2005 They certainly take time to ponder their options... Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny Posted November 2, 2005 Report Share Posted November 2, 2005 Hey Ford, want to improve your profits? BUILD BETTER CARS!! There's a reason why they say Ford stands for Found On Road Dead or Fix Or Repair Daily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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