Ford is offering some substantial buy-out plans to 54,000 hourly workers. The buyout plans include these sorts of options:

Employees with as little as one year of seniority can receive $100,000 cash, although they give up all health benefits after a six-month period.

For employees at least 55 years old and with at least 10 years on the job, the payout jumps to $140,000.

And opinions by workers vary:

“I am taking it seriously, but it’s really hard to think about leaving,” said Jerry Thomas, a 37-year-old millwright with 12 years at Ford. “The only thing that would make me do it is the uncertainty. We just don’t know what’s going to happen with Ford.”

“We never had this type of opportunity when I was in the steel industry,” Mr. Linko said. “We knew for years that the industry was in trouble, and one day the doors just shut.”

“I’m taking the $100,000,” said Stacy Haynes, a 34-year-old mother of four children. “I’ve been here 12 years, and I can’t believe I lasted this long.”

“I’d like to retire, but it’s just not enough money for me now,” Mr. Fender said. “I’m making almost $80,000 a year, and I can’t see leaving that behind.”