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Governor Gets Cool Reception From UAW Workers At Ford

DEARBORN (WWJ) - Ford unveils its transformed Michigan Assembly plant and the 2012 Ford Focus. But, as WWJ Newsradio 950's Marie Osborne reports, the event was upstaged by the greeting some workers gave the guest speaker, Governor Rick Snyder.

Governor Snyder was greeted by hundreds of Ford UAW workers wearing red tee-shirts emblazoned with 'Soldarity With Wisconsin' -along with a round of  "boo" to his comments.  Several of the workers walked out during the speech.

"I respect people for having different opinions particularly when you are talking about fundamental change and dramatic reform. It's that old thing of human nature the first reaction typically can be negative for many people," says Gov. Snyder.

Ford is opening the doors to the newly revamped facility after a $550 million dollar facelift where the Ford Focus will be produced.

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Wayne Assembly Plant (Credit: WWJ Marie Osborne).

"When you first have dramatic change, it's difficult on people, but as we persevere and as we communicate, and we work on getting on the same page, and keeping a positive attitude," says Snyder. "We'll make this happen because it's about Michiganders working and winning together."

 Click on here to read Ford Motor Company announcement regarding employees in Japan.

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