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Ford's pinching more than pennies!


Mike

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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!

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