Its rivals General Motors and Stellantis may also avoid severe financial damage. The UAW wanted a 46% wage increase over four years. That would have thinned margins at the manufacturers substantially. (These American jobs had zero union members last year.)

The Wall Street Journal reports that the UAW wage increase of the four years is now in the mid-30s range. That is enough of a concession that the UAW is headed toward demands it is more likely the car companies can stomach. Specifically, the Wall Street Journal reports, "It is the first visible sign of progress on the wage issue since the sides began talks in earnest in July."

Ford's stock has suffered, particularly because of the specter of a strike. It has fallen 11% in the past three months.