Ford JV battery plant in Kentucky union vote results in favor of UAW, with disputed ballots yet to be resolved
UAW Claims Victory at Ford JV Battery Plant in Kentucky, But Challenge Ballots Remain
The United Auto Workers (UAW) has secured a victory in a union vote at a Ford joint-venture plant in Kentucky, according to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). However, the final outcome of the election remains uncertain due to 41 challenge ballots that are yet to be resolved.
The victory at the BlueOval SK joint-venture plant, which employs about 1,450 people and produces batteries for Ford's EVs, including its F-150 Lightning electric pickup, would provide a significant boost for the UAW. If confirmed, it would mark the union's presence at another electric vehicle production facility in the U.S. South.
UAW President Shawn Fain has been emphasizing the importance of winning votes at battery and EV plants, a focus that was evident in the union's 2023 strike against Detroit's automakers. Fain has also faced challenges in expanding the union's presence beyond the Volkswagen plant in Tennessee.
The UAW has previously notched victories with GM and LG Energy Solution at battery plants, as well as with Ultium Cells at facilities in Ohio and Tennessee. However, the union suffered a defeat at a Mercedes plant in Alabama in May 2024.
BlueOval SK, the joint-venture, urges the NLRB to count every eligible vote because "every voice matters." The joint-venture plans to employ 5,000 workers across two Kentucky battery plants at full capacity. The second plant in Kentucky has been delayed.
The NLRB has ordered a review and verification of the 41 disputed votes in the union election at the BlueOval SK joint venture battery plant in Kentucky. A hearing is scheduled to determine the validity of these votes, which the UAW believes are illegitimate and a tactic by the employer to undermine the outcome.
The vote count stands at 526 for the union and 515 against. If the NLRB rules in favour of the UAW, it would secure a victory in this election, providing a much-needed boost in the U.S. South. Ford has referred comments about the election to BlueOval SK.
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