Earlier today, shortly after the UAW opted to shut down the Ford Chicago Assembly plant, Ford issued a statement directly accusing the union of holding up talks over the automaker’s upcoming EV plants. Ford CEO Jim Farley didn’t have nice things to say about the union or President Shawn Fain either, stating the company felt that the union was bargaining in bad faith and that Fain is spending too much time on TV. In response, Fain issued a statement about Farley’s earlier comments Friday afternoon, saying the CEO is lying about the current state of negotiations. He also claimed that the company is looking to cut up to 40 percent of the union’s jobs as a result of the ongoing EV pivot.
“I don’t know why Jim Farley is lying about the state of negotiations. It could be because he failed to show up for bargaining talks this week, as he has for most of the past ten weeks. If he were there, he’d know we gave Ford a comprehensive proposal on Monday and still haven’t heard back. He would also know that we are far apart on core economic proposals like retirement security and post-retirement healthcare, as well as job security in this EV transition, which Farley himself says is going to cut 40 percent of our members’ jobs. Like a good neighbor, we’re available 24/7. Name the time and the place you want to settle a fair contract for our members, and we’ll be there,” Fain said in a statement.
Aside from responding to Farley’s comment that Fain “has been on TV more than Jake from state farm,” Fain also pushed back on the company’s claim that the upcoming EV plants are the main sticking point impacting the state of the contract talks. In its webcast earlier today and in material that accompanied its press release, the automaker said that it made product commitments for all UAW plants in America, and that it “bolstered already strong retirement contributions.” There was no indication from Farley or other executives that the EV transition would result in job losses at any preexisting assembly plant. That said, Farley stated that “A bad deal would threaten midsize or expensive larger vehicles like Escape and Explorer,” and added “We’d have to choose to cut future investments in those products, restructure and reduce our headcount throughout the company, including UAW workers.”
Today’s comments from Ford and UAW leadership are a sign that a resolution to the ongoing strike may not happen for quite some time. This is a sharp turnaround from last week, when the union decided not to escalate its strike against the Blue Oval, citing progress made at that point in time. In addition to Chicago, the UAW targeted Michigan Assembly plant in the first phase of its strike, meaning the company cannot currently produce the Ford Bronco, Ford Explorer, Ford Ranger, and Lincoln Aviator. The UAW has also shut down two of GM’s assembly plants and one Stellantis plant. The UAW also targeted GM and Stellantis parts distribution centers last week.
We’ll be following the ongoing strike closely, so subscribe to Ford Authority for more 2023 Ford-UAW news, UAW news, and for ongoing Ford news coverage.
Comments
Like a good neighbor, Shawn Fain is there!
Fain is your typical liberal big mouth!
Couldn’t tell the truth if his life depended on it.
Interesting that only 54% of the sheeple voted for him to be their useless leader.
Would be great to see one of the Big 3 grow a pair & say enough, your all fired!
Starting Monday, apply for a job, NO UNION!
Do you work a company provides you vacation, healthcare? Does your employer come in and check the toilet when you’re done? Does your boss come along and punch you in the face because it will make he/she feel better.
These are all examples of behavior that unions helped put a stop to or anyone working no matter what industry to gain.
If you work for a company with a union your benefits and wages reflect those won by unions.
Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
you are a maggot like the rest of the ground dwellars…
TomD.
You are just another sheeple that can’t fend for himself.
MILLIONS of people work without a union & they LOVE it.
See….they can think & negotiate for themselves.
The weaklings grow strong minded when they form a gang or union, much like the bullies are baby’s when you take away their weapons & members.
Unions are gasping for members, I say let the unions die.
Enjoy your day TomD.
HERE, HERE!
Right-on man.
Yeah, Bob, that’s why companies that aren’t unionized can keep the pay scale at whatever they see fit. Retail and fast food are prime examples. I wouldn’t exactly say everyone who works in those industries love it. That’s why we see some people trying to organize Starbucks. I would love for a Walmart worker to go to their supervisor and negotiate a significant pay raise and better benefits, since they have to do it for themselves. Oh and the last part you said couldn’t be farther from the truth. We need a fact checker on here for you, Bob. That’s why just on the news today there’s talk of a health care strike brewing. The truth is unionism is growing and is gaining traction. I’m sorry that you don’t understand that. It’s the truth though. I know it sucks for you and your arguments, but it’s ok to be wrong. Just please stop spreading misinformation. Thanks Bob.
Your best friend,
Mr. UAW
That’s true bob I bet those non-union plants aren’t happy as you say I guess like all liars you will say you know people that work in non-union plants.
Fu*k Unions!
Why?
You know nobody is forcing or even suggesting that you join a union so when you say what you said about union maybe you’re too ignorant to know that unions are made up of American workers..so we say the same to you.
I worked in a union for 20 years and then spent 22 years as a Career Pharmaceutical Microbiologist after 4 1/2 years of college between those two stints. I can say without a doubt that the years spent working without being part of a union were far more productive, profitable and enjoyable than those I spent with one.
Cool, there’s nothing wrong with that. Good for you. Everyone’s experience will be different.
So what union are you referring too? Because there are so many unions which are made up of ordinary Americans working fighting for a better living standard. I have to ask you this why did you wait 22 years to leave ?
Yes, the unions in the past did good things for workers. But the work place is safer now, pay is better, etc…Sure, you have the right to picket and better wages are always good. But what is being asked for here is unreasonable. A 32 hour work week paid for 40? A raise of over 40%. Guaranteed job even if your job is no longer needed? Its to much. You won’t get a lot of sympathy on that. I don’t want to here ” thats how negotiation works, you ask for more and compromise” . Thats bs. In a small business you would be simply shown the door.
We’re living in the future and unions made up of American workers are here to stay so stop this fox news talking point Autoworkers are only asking for what they and the company agreed to reinstate when they became profitable again so to bash American workers for trying recoup their loss is radical. Use your frustration elsewhere if you don’t work for the big 3 you shouldn’t comment on their struggle. Because everyone has a struggle the problem is you can’t see yours for worrying about someone else’s.
Quoting Farley, “A bad deal would threaten midsize or expensive larger vehicles like Escape and Explorer”–does he know his own products? I suppose the Explorer could be called “midsize” or larger, but the Escape is a compact and relatively inexpensive. Unless you go by the scale of the rental car companies, which calls the Mitsubishi Mirage a “compact” and would call the Escape “midsized.”
“Mid-size or expensive larger vehicles like Escape or Explorer? I can pick up a new Escape for about $20K
Please, masb1955, tell me where you can do this. I need a new vehicle and that price I can afford. Please tell me where.
That’s a used price.
Where?
I thought that was considered a full size suv?
F Fain. He is killing the domestic auto industry. Ford will die first. Then GM. Within 10 years. F Fain
I completely disagree. You have no proof or evidence to support your claims. Please stop spreading fear and misinformation.
1000s of immigrants that need jobs and a chance at a good life. good hard working people that would be loyal and not cut off the hand that feeds them. What is wrong with the big 3 they cannot compete with tesla and overseas companies. Offered over 100hr with benefits American greed, My family a family of immigrants started with nothing just wanted a chance at a good life. We worked together with our family and employers and never got greedy.
Let’s look at what telsa has that all this competition is measured by. In 1800 Nikolai tesla came to New york he was a scientist and nuclear physicists he tried then to introduce this new energy development but was denied 100 years later with the help of China Elon musk who cofounded PayPal rebranded telsa invention as of today you have an Electric car plugged into a coal fired fossil fuel system. Nothing more so let telsa try to produce a hybrid and compete with ford gm and stellantis they cant..when musk confound PayPal he was bald . So stop pushing telsa up they not making any money in North America and barely in china…
Well, no response from masb1955 on that $20 k price for a new Escape. I think I fiqured out what the masb stands for—–my—–ass—-says—–bullsh*t. masb, at least own up to your fake knowledge, your silence says it all. Now, no one will give you credit for anything that comes out of your pie hole.