Ford Motor to push for no-strike clause

DEARBORN, Mich., June 18 (UPI) -- U.S. auto giant Ford Motor Co. said it would push union workers to accept a no-strike clause in their contract to match agreements at rival car companies.

Chrysler, which filed for bankruptcy April 30, and General Motors Corp., which filed June 1, negotiated no-strike clauses with the United Auto Workers to help rein in labor concerns and costs, the Detroit Free Press reported Thursday.

The no-strike deals expire in 2015.

Ford Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally said a no-strike agreement was "one piece of the conversation we're having with them," referring to the United Auto Workers union.

"We continue to talk with them on improving our competitiveness," he said. Ford has been able to avoid bankruptcy and reaching out for government assistance, which gives the company "so many more advantages," Mulally said.

"People also want to know they are with a company that is viable, that will be here long-term and that is on a positive track," he said.