Bill Ford, Executive Chairman of Ford Motor (F), called for a resolution of a "sharp" round of negotiations with the United Auto Workers (UAW) and warned that a sustained strike could harm the company's ability to retain factory positions in the United States.
Since the negotiations began this summer, the great grandson of Henry Ford, the founder of Ford, has made his first public statement about the negotiations. He said that strikes and escalating contract disputes with the union are threatening the future of the automotive industry.
Bill Ford said in a speech at the historic Rouge Factory facility near his headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, "We are at a crossroads. Choosing the right path is not only about Ford's future and our competitiveness, but also about the future of the American automotive industry
Bill Ford warned in his speech that the consequences of a factory shutdown in Kentucky would affect the company and tens of thousands of workers in its supply chain, and harm the local economy.
Bill Ford stated in his speech on Monday that the union's contract requirements may harm the automaker's ability to invest in the US manufacturing industry. He said, "If we lose this ability, we will lose to our competitors. The United States will lose. Many jobs will no longer exist. We will no longer be able to invest in the future. We will lose factories
Since 1982, Bill Ford has participated in every negotiation of the UAW, stating that a fierce battle with the UAW will benefit non union competitors such as foreign automakers and electric vehicle leader Tesla (TSLA). Automotive industry executives have pointed out that these companies have lower labor costs.
Bill Ford said, "This should not be a battle between Ford and UAW, but rather a battle between Ford and UAW against Toyota, Honda, Tesla, and all Chinese companies that want to enter the domestic market in the United States." Bill Ford delivered this speech at the tourist center of the factory, with old-fashioned Ford cars on both sides.
The executive chairman stated that the latest plan proposed by the automaker to the union is fair. The company proposes to increase salaries by 23% within four years and provide new cost of living adjustments and other improvement measures.