Ford has cut 45% of workers since 2006

Since 2006, Ford Motor Co. has slashed 45% of its North American workforce — a move that has contributed to more than $4.6 billion in cost reductions at the once-ailing Dearborn auto company.

Ford ended September with 74,500 workers in North America. That includes 21,300 salaried workers and 50,200 hourly employees, most of whom are represented by the UAW and Canadian Auto Workers.

At the end of 2005, before the automaker launched its “Way Forward” turnaround plan, Ford had 135,700 employees in North America. That included 35,600 salaried workers and 100,100 hourly workers.

That means Ford has cut its hourly workforce more aggressively than its salaried workforce. Over the past four years, Ford has cut 40% of its salaried jobs and half of its hourly workforce.

Globally, Ford has 200,000 workers. Aside from those in North America, Ford also employs: – Freep