UAW urges NLRB to investigate Ford, BOSK for anti-union practices

The UAW Seeks NLRB Intervention Over Alleged Labor Law Violations at BlueOval SK

GLENDALE, KY – The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has requested that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) look into Ford and BlueOval SK (BOSK) for possible breaches of federal labor laws. This move is aimed at ensuring that any forthcoming union election is conducted fairly, without intimidation or coercion from the employers.

In January, a significant majority of BOSK employees, a joint venture between Ford and SK On focused on electric vehicle battery production, petitioned for a union election under the UAW. The workers are pushing for improved safety measures, the accessible healthcare promised to them, and a stronger voice in workplace matters. Since then, according to the UAW, Ford and BOSK have actively opposed the unionization efforts by employing aggressive anti-union strategies.

The UAW accuses BOSK of wrongful termination of union supporters, coercing employees into private meetings, and threatening closure of the facility. Additionally, the company is reported to have invested in anti-union advertisements, distributed merchandise against unionization, and hired expensive consultants to carry out persistent anti-union campaigns.

Laura Dickerson, UAW Vice President and Director of the Ford Department, remarked, “Ford knows better. For over 80 years, Ford workers have had a union and a voice. But at BOSK, they’re doing everything they can to stop these workers from having the same thing. You can’t have a fair vote when the company is flooding the plant with fear and propaganda.”

Employee concerns over safety have also been highlighted, with claims of a toxic work environment due to the company's intimidation tactics. These issues are compounded by existing safety challenges, as reported by the Louisville Courier-Journal. The newspaper’s investigation discovered instances of toxic chemical exposure, broken bones, and inadequate safety equipment at BOSK.

Rob Collett, a Production Associate, stated, “BOSK wants to act like there are no safety issues here. But the chemicals we work with are dangerous. We want the ability to speak up and make things safer in a contract. That’s what a union is about.”

Other workers have reported being forced to work without appropriate protective gear and being discouraged from discussing unionization.

UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith praised the workers, saying, “These BOSK workers are brave as hell. They stood up and organized because they want what everyone deserves — a safe job and a voice at work. Battery jobs are growing fast here in Kentucky, but they should be good, safe union jobs — not jobs where workers get hurt and silenced. We need a fair shot to vote without the company trying to rig the outcome. Elected leaders can’t look the other way while this industry grows — they need to have workers’ backs. Who are we? U-A-W!”

The UAW and BOSK workers are pressing for the NLRB to hold BOSK accountable, seeking an investigation into the company’s activities to secure fair voting conditions.

Emily Drueke from the Quality Department expressed, “We are excited to vote yes! We have been waiting for this for a long time. However, we are asking the NLRB to ensure a fair playing field.”

The situation at BOSK reflects a broader trend of unionizing efforts within the electric vehicle battery sector, mirroring successful campaigns at Ultium Cells facilities in Ohio and Tennessee. Across the Southern United States, workers are increasingly demanding fair labor conditions, including union representation and a voice in their workplaces.