National Quality Committee (NQC)

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Best-In-Class Quality Program

The UAW-Ford National Quality Committee (NQC) is committed to driving the “Best-In-Class” Quality Program through the joint efforts of the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Ford Motor Company. Both parties recognize that continuous improvement in the quality of the Company’s products and services to meet customer needs and values is essential to securing Ford’s long term success in the global marketplace and real job security for its UAW represented employees.

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To achieve world-class quality improvement, each and every employee must be engaged in quality processes and problem solving techniques. The UAW-Ford National Quality Committee and the Best-In-Class Quality Program empowers employees to be quality advocates by providing them with the tools, training, and support they need to fully engage in the continuous improvement process. Through annual participation in training and education forums, program conferences, and auto shows, UAW-Ford hourly and salary Quality representatives from Manufacturing and Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD) can engage with each other and the customer, both elements that enable personal growth, development and adaptability in the industry.

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The Best-In-Class Quality Program was established in 1987 and since that time, the parties have worked toward achieving mutual goals and have demonstrated the ability to take a problem solving approach to issues. The strengthening of this joint relationship has created a highly successful program based upon a foundation of mutual trust and respect that assures all issues can be resolved on a day-to-day basis. Therefore, Appendix Q, a UAW-Ford Memorandum of Understanding and the Local Quality Representative Letter of Understanding are living documents permitting the parties to continuously improve, support, and expand the UAW-Ford Best-In-Class Quality Program outside the normal collective bargaining process.

 

Structure and Governance

• UAW-Ford National Quality Committee Charter

  • The UAW-Ford National Quality Committee is committed to driving the “Best-In-Class” Quality Program through the joint efforts of the UAW and Ford. 

• Appendix Q - Click to open document

  • UAW-Ford recognizes that continuous improvement in the quality of the Company’s products and services to meet customer needs and values is essential to securing Ford’s long term success in the global marketplace and real job security for its UAW represented employees. Appendix Q is an on-going agreement which permits the parties to continuously improve, support and expand the UAW-Ford “Best-In-Class” Quality program outside the normal collective bargaining process. 

 

Training and Education

• Targeted Training-

  • The Targeted Training project was contractually negotiated in 2003. It provides focused and targeted quality training on three levels and approximately 60 courses across Manufacturing and Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD). The curriculum is designed in single point lessons with supporting instructor guides and assessments to be utilized by locations on an as needed basis.

 

• Manufacturing Conferences

  • Manufacturing Conferences are held annually to focus on training for all UAW Quality Representatives, Quality Managers, and UAW Quality Operating System Coordinators who represent all of the Ford Motor Company manufacturing plants in the United States. Manufacturing includes assembly, powertrain and  stamping.

 

• Ford Customer Service Division Conferences (FCSD)

  • Ford Customer Service Division Conferences are also held annually for UAW Quality Representatives, Lead Supervisors and Superintendents representing all of the FCSD high velocity centers (HVCs) and high cube centers (HCCs), and low velocity-low cube (LVLC’s) in the United States. These locations are responsible for the shipping, receiving, and storage of vehicle components and parts that are requested thru dealerships and the customer.

 

Quality Communication Processes

• Hotline Call Process

  • The Quality Hotline was established for UAW-Ford employees to call only when they experience an issue with quality or product concerns at their location.

• Quality Leadership Initiative Message (QLI) - Click to open document

  • This message is cascaded out to all Manufacturing and FCSD locations bi-annually. The message is typically based on one or more of the (9) Quality Leadership Initiative Principles. 

 

Quality Promotional Activities

The Company and the UAW support certain Quality promotional activities to increase employee and consumer quality awareness. We also recognize employee contributions in quality improvements in products and services. Opportunities include:

• Auto Shows

• Sporting Events

• Community Activities

• Charitable Events

• Advertising Campaigns