AFSCME 3357-HOF'S BLOG

Ford's Way Forward Part Deux
"This time we really mean it"

Ford is about to unveil it's 2nd "Way Forward" plan. The first plan fizzled faster than Mentos dropped in Diet Coke. The new plan is said to include an early retirement/buyout plan for hourly workers similar to that offered by General Motors and a not-so-generous boot out the door for about 30% of the white-collar work force. The dealer network and the product lines will be pruned as well.

Note that this plan comes just days after the appointment of a new CEO, Ford's (nee Boeing's) 35 millon dollar man, Alan Mulally. (For the life of me, I can't seem to remember that guy's name. Every time I want to use it, I have to look it up.) Since the guy just got there, it's hard to believe much of the $35 million invested will result in any improvements to the turn-around plan.

Ford still plans on shrinking itself to prosperity like um, well, um . . . . Well, there has to be someplace where it worked. Oh yes, Boeing. Of course a manufactured war, bumbles by its main competitor, and a multi-billion dollar investment in new products helped Boeing just a little bit.