Local Contract Dispute Sparks Threat of Strike
The United Auto Workers union is on the brink of a strike at Ford Motor Co.’s Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville due to a dispute over local contract language. Nearly 9,000 workers are prepared to walk out on Feb. 23 if the issues remain unresolved.
If a strike occurs, it would mark the second time in a year that employees have protested at the factory. Last October, a national contract negotiation led to a temporary shutdown, resulting in significant raises for workers.
The plant is a key producer of heavy-duty F-Series pickup trucks and popular SUVs like the Ford Excursion and Lincoln Navigator. These vehicles are known for their profitability, making the resolution of the contract dispute crucial for both parties.
Key Disputes and Strike Details
The union highlights key areas of contention, including health and safety concerns, minimum in-plant nurse staffing, ergonomic issues, and a push by Ford to reduce skilled trades workers.
The strike is scheduled to commence at 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 23 unless a resolution is reached. Similar negotiations are ongoing at other Ford plants, as well as at General Motors and Stellantis.
Ford’s Response and Industry Impact
As the deadline approaches, Ford has not yet commented on the looming strike. The threat comes shortly after CEO Jim Farley acknowledged the impact of last year’s strike on the company’s relationship with the union.
Farley’s remarks suggest that future production decisions may be influenced by these labor disputes. The potential strike at the Kentucky Truck Plant underscores the tensions between automakers and labor unions in an industry where production location can have significant implications for both sides.