UAW VP Condemns Safety Conditions at Ford's BlueOval SK Plant

Safety Concerns Highlighted at BlueOval SK Plant

Reports have surfaced regarding significant safety issues at the BlueOval SK (BOSK) plant, as highlighted in a recent article by the Louisville Courier-Journal. The article, titled “Chemicals, mold, bats, broken bones: Workers concerned over safety at BlueOval SK plant,” has prompted a strong response from labor representatives.

Chuck Browning, Vice President of the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Director of the Ford Department, expressed his frustration with the conditions at the plant. Browning stated, “The recent reporting on the dangerous conditions at BOSK is infuriating. Workers are being put at risk every single day. Every person in this country should be able to go to work and know they’ll make it home safe—not get sick or injured because of corporate greed or negligence.”

The BOSK plant, operated by Ford, stands accused of not adequately addressing health and safety issues, which include exposure to chemicals, mold, and even wildlife such as bats. These conditions have reportedly led to worker injuries, including broken bones.

Browning criticized Ford for its efforts to suppress unionization at the plant, arguing that Ford’s actions undermine the workers' rights to a safe working environment. He said, “Ford should know better. For over 80 years, Ford workers have had a union and a voice. But now, Ford is running an extreme anti-union campaign at BOSK to keep these workers down. It’s shameful.”

The UAW is calling for an end to these practices and supports the workers' demand for a vote that will allow them to have a greater say in their workplace conditions. Browning emphasized, “These workers are demanding what they’ve earned: a real say in their working conditions, especially when it comes to health and safety. Ford, cut the crap. Let them vote.”