OEMs
UAW workers at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant threaten to strike
Written by Ethan Bernard
February 16, 2024
Approximately 9,000 United Auto Workers (UAW) members at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant said they will strike on Friday, Feb. 23, if local contract issues are not resolved.
The union said Ford has failed to reach a “local agreement” with UAW Local 862 more than five months beyond the contract deadline.
UAW held a national “stand-up” strike starting Sept. 15. The labor action targeted specific plants at all three Detroit-area automakers. Tentative agreements were reached in late October and the contracts were ratified in November.
The union noted that members also negotiate “local agreements around plant-specific issues at each facility.”
“UAW vice president Chuck Browning has requested authorization from UAW President (Shawn) Fain to set a strike deadline at Kentucky Truck Plant for 12:01 a.m., Friday, Feb. 23,” the union said in a statement on Friday.
Located in Louisville, Ky., the plant produces the Ford F-250–F-550 Super Duty Trucks, Ford Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator, according to Ford’s website.
Issues cited included “health and safety in the plant, including minimum in-plant nurse staffing levels and ergonomic issues, as well as Ford’s continued attempts to erode the skilled trades at Kentucky Truck Plant.”
In addition to the Kentucky Truck Plant, there are 19 other open local agreements across Ford, as well as several open local agreements at GM and Stellantis, UAW said.
A request for comment from Ford was not returned by time of publication.
Ethan Bernard
Read more from Ethan BernardLatest in OEMs
Buyers say galv prices stable mill level but stuck in swamp on the street
Galvanized steel buyers on Tuesday discussed the eerie stability in sheet prices of late. Expectations are for the murky market to persist in the short term, while glimmers of hope continue for prices pushing higher.
Trump warns John Deere of tariffs if manufacturing moves to Mexico: Report
Former President Donald Trump has said he will place a 200% tariff on John Deere products imported into the US if the company makes good on previously announced plans to move some production to Mexico.
HVAC shipments gained more ground in June
Shipments of heating and cooling equipment moved higher in June, according to the latest data released from the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). June shipments increased 10% month on month (m/m) to 2.16 million units. This was a 7% boost over the same month last year. June represents the best monthly shipment rate year-to-date, […]
Galvanized buyers see price slide continuing in near term
Galvanized prices have tumbled from a month ago, and many market participants expect that trend to continue in July.
HVAC equipment shipments slip in April
Shipments of heating and cooling equipment receded from March to April according to the latest data released from the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).