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Ford worker files for UAW dues refund, stirs right-to-work debate

Let's start with some history: Ford's Dearborn truck plant, part of the company's massive River Rouge complex, was the center of a strike in 1941 that led to Ford signing the first "closed shop" agreement in the industry. The agreement obliged every worker at the plant to be a dues-paying member of the United Auto Workers. In December 2012, however, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation making Michigan a right-to-work state, which outlawed closed shops. The new law gave workers the right to opt out of union membership and stop paying dues even if they were still covered by union activities like collective bargaining. For employees at the Dearborn plant, the right-to-work clauses take effect at the end of their current contract in 2015.
As a tool-and-die maker at Ford's Dearborn plant for 16 years, Todd Lemire pays dues to the UAW - about two hours' salary per month. However, he's been unhappy with the UAW's support of the Democratic party, and not wanting to wait until next year to be out of the UAW entirely he invoked his Beck Rights, which state that a non-member of a union does not have to pay dues to support non-core activities, such as political spending. But Lemire wasn't happy that Ford still subtracted the total amount of dues, with the UAW reimbursing the difference, so he filed suit with the National Labor Relations Board, feeling that the workaround violates his rights.
Lemire's case is just a week old, so it could be a while before a resolution. Yet, as September 15, 2015 draws near and the right-to-work laws take full effect for Michigan workers - and others wonder whether it could help revitalize the state's manufacturing base - a case like this adds more fuel to the discussion.

2015 Ford F-Series Super Duty Power Stroke

What weighs 30,000 pounds? Big Ben's Westminster bell. A navy ship anchor. Or as we found out during our first drive program for the 2015 Ford F-Series Super Duty, seven pallets of cinder blocks loaded onto a dual-axle gooseneck trailer. The test was part of a raft of towing demonstrations that showcased the new Super Duty's impressive tug capacity, which maxes out at 32,100 pounds. That's 1,200 more than its nearest rival, the Ram 3500, when equipped with its upgraded 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8. Such is the heavy-duty pickup truck business, a diesel-fueled game of one-upmanship with only three players: Ford, Chevrolet/GMC and Ram. And in this game, the one with the most torque wins.
Until 2014, Ford was the one to beat, with its 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel bringing 400 hp and a massive 800 lb-ft of torque to the table. Then last year, Ram did exactly that, serving Ford with a beefed-up Cummins turbodiesel inline-six in its freshened Ram Heavy Duty truck line with 385 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to tow up to 30,000 pounds. But Ford claims it had designed its engine to be relatively easy to upgrade when the time called for it, so for 2015, Ford bolted a larger turbo to the Power Stroke, bringing output to an insane 440 hp and 860 lb-ft of twist, all without reducing fuel efficiency. Maximum tow capacity rises from 24,700 lbs to an incredible 31,200 lbs for the F-450 dually.
As for GM's HDs? They lag behind the lot with their 6.6-liter Duramax V-8, producing 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque. Yeah, you know things are serious when the trucks with 765 lb-ft are the knock-kneed wimps of the lot.

2015 Ford Shelby GT350, GT350R Mustang option pricing leaked [UPDATE]

UPDATE: Ford wasn't willing to elaborate on Mustang6G's pricing report, with spokesperson Said Deep simply saying, "We haven't announced pricing at this time." The limited availability of the new 2015 GT350 and GT350R isn't the only Ford Mustang news today, as a leaked report by Mustang6G has shined a light on the cost of the optional equipment we first reported on way back in January. First, we have the standard GT350. As we reported earlier, only 50 cars will get the $7,500-Tech Package, which includes magnetic ride control, navigation with Sync 3, dual-zone climate control, and heated, air-conditioned, leather-upholstered, and powered seats. The other 50 standard models will get the $6,500-Track Package. You'll still get magnetic ride control, selectable driving modes and enhanced cooling systems for the engine oil, trans and diff. Stand-alone navigation is $795, a black roof is $695, stripes are $475, and as with the standard Mustang, Triple Yellow Clearcoat paint is $495. Fancy one of the just 37 GT350Rs? You'll pony up (pun intended) an extra $3,500 on top of the price of a GT350. From there, Mustang6G cites a $3,000-SVT Touring Package, which we think references the Electronics Package (navigation, Sync 3, and dual-zone climate control). Outside of those two items, the GT350R's only additional options include a black roof, stand-alone nav, and stripes, all of which carry the same price as the standard car. Like our report earlier today, these prices appear to only be for the 2015 model. While production outputs for the 2016 will probably increase, we can't be sure whether these prices be carried over, as well. Mustang6G claims it will have a starting price "very soon," which we'll naturally bring you as soon as it's published. We've also reached out to Ford to confirm this report as well as get any info on the GT350's starting price. Stay tuned. Related Video: