UAW Warns of Potential Strike at Kentucky Ford Truck Plant Over Unresolved Local Matters

The United Auto Workers (UAW) has issued a warning of a potential labor strike at Ford Motor’s largest U.S. facility, the Kentucky Truck Plant, if unresolved local union demands persist. Nearly 9,000 UAW autoworkers at the Kentucky Truck Plant could initiate a strike at 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 23 if issues specific to the plant are not addressed.

The Kentucky Truck Plant, Ford’s largest facility in terms of both employment and revenue, manufactures Ford Super Duty pickups, Ford Expeditions, and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. These local contract issues, distinct from national agreements ratified in late 2023,

primarily revolve around health and safety concerns within the plant, including minimum in-plant nurse staffing levels, ergonomic issues, and Ford’s alleged attempts to diminish skilled trades.

While the reasons behind singling out the Ford plant for the strike deadline are not immediately evident, there are currently 19 other unresolved local agreements across Ford, in addition to multiple open agreements at General Motors (GM) and Stellantis, Chrysler’s parent company.

Ford, known for its strong relationship with the UAW, has yet to comment on the union’s announcement. This strike ultimatum follows remarks by Ford CEO Jim Farley, suggesting that the company would carefully consider future vehicle production locations amidst market shifts and contentious negotiations with the union in 2023, including targeted strikes lasting six weeks.

UAW President Shawn Fain responded to Farley’s comments, suggesting that Ford should prioritize American workers over seeking cheaper labor elsewhere. Fain’s retort underscores the union’s commitment to protecting American jobs and the domestic auto industry’s future.