Ford BlueOval SK Workers Outline Why They Want To Unionize

Back in January, workers at the under-construction Ford BlueOvalSK Battery Park in Kentucky officially filed for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board to join the United Auto Workers (UAW), a move they say is due to concerns revolving around worker health, safety, and a lack of communication from the company itself, as well as a desire for better wages and benefits. This move was met with criticism from the joint-venture itself, particularly as it came weeks after it raised wages on its own accord. Now, BlueOval SK workers have added some context to their desire to unionize.

According to WKYUFM, BlueOval SK management has thus far ignored worker concerns pertaining to safety, which is one of the driving factors behind this union push. “It’s like these people are wearing horse blinders,” said Quality Operator Halee Hadfield. “They think it’s just about pay, it’s just about insurance, but it’s not. It’s about how you treat us as people and whether or not we come to work safe.”

Some workers have also expressed concerns about being exposed to fire, electrical, and chemical hazards, as well as mold, which became a problem at the site last year. “When we came back from Christmas break, in about an hour or so, I started noticing a burning in my throat, burning in my eyes,” said Production Operator Bill Wilmoth. “Lunch time comes, you go outside and get fresh air, it quickly abated.” In a statement, BlueOval SK noted that its safety protocols are “robust and consistent, meeting industry standards and complying with stringent federal, state, and local regulations.”

Additionally, BlueOval SK workers are concerned about the fact that they reportedly make less money than employees at other Ford plants in the state, with Production Operator Alisha Miller claiming that she didn’t receive the full amount of the raise that she was initially offered by the joint-venture. “Maybe not intentionally, but we all felt lied to. We actually, after that, got a few cards signed,” Miller said. “I think, honestly, it’s only fanned the flame. There were some steadfast no’s for a very long time, and I think that was the final straw.”