ford's buyout deal is not worth the paper its printed on. Someone took google to court, google had the same wording in there buyout as ford. The court says it was illegal. I know a handful of people that went back. After 1 year you can go back, even as salaried. Its best now to go anywhere as contract, to many companies are firing salaried people and saying your banned from coming back. If your agency they cant do anything to you. You can come back the next day in a new job at ford.
detnews just said Nissan just got rid of 20,000 people both union and salaried. Rumors are Stellantis is on the verge of bankruptcy. Automotive now is not safe.