Uaw Receives Offer From Ford

Ford Motor Co. said Friday it had made an initial contract offer to the United Auto Workers earlier in the week, but provided no details.

The nine-page proposal was not a response to union demands revealed in June, Ford spokeswoman Jennifer Flake said. She said major items involve competitiveness, quality and operating flexibility.

A UAW spokesman was not immediately available for comment Friday.

Chrysler Corp. presented its initial proposal to the union in mid-July. A General Motors Corp. spokesman refused to say when his company would make an initial offer.

Each of the Big Three automakers wants to become the target of UAW efforts. The target could set a pattern for agreements at the other two companies.

Ford was chosen in 1993, and Chrysler is widely expected to be this year’s target. The UAW is expected to name its target Aug. 22.