BlueOval SK Employees Push for Unionization Amid Workplace Concerns

BlueOval SK Employees Push for Unionization Amid Workplace Concerns

Workers at the BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County, Kentucky, have officially filed for a union election to join the United Auto Workers (UAW), marking a significant step in their campaign to address workplace concerns.

The filing, made Tuesday with the National Labor Relations Board, follows a public campaign to unionize announced in November 2024.

Workers cite safety issues, health concerns, and a lack of transparent communication from the company as key reasons for their push to unionize.

Worker Concerns and Statements

Chad Johnson, a quality control worker at the plant for nearly 18 months, emphasized the need for legally binding agreements to protect employees.

“We want something in black and white that’s legally binding between these two mutual parties, so that we all know where we’re at … there’s not all this gray area,” Johnson said.

Union supporters believe joining the UAW will secure better pay, benefits, and workplace protections for the plant’s workforce.

BlueOval SK’s Response

Mallory Cooke, a spokesperson for BlueOval SK, expressed concerns about the timing of the union’s actions.

“The UAW is trying to rush BlueOval SK into unionization before our full workforce has the opportunity to make a truly free and informed choice,” Cooke said in a statement.

Cooke added that most workers at the facility, which is still under construction, have not yet been hired.

She highlighted the company’s competitive wages, bonuses, and opportunities for growth as evidence of its commitment to its employees.

Background on BlueOval SK Battery Park

The $6 billion battery park, a joint venture between Ford Motor Co. and South Korean firm SK On, is expected to begin battery production in 2025.

It is part of Ford’s broader initiative to expand electric vehicle manufacturing.

Unionization Efforts and Broader Context

BlueOval SK Employees Push for Unionization Amid Workplace Concerns 2

This move comes after a historic UAW strike in 2023, led by union president Shawn Fain, which secured higher wages and benefits for workers at Ford, GM, and Stellantis.

While the UAW sought automatic unionization for the BlueOval SK facilities during those negotiations, they were unsuccessful.

The UAW has seen recent successes in organizing battery plant workers, including securing a contract for Ultium plant employees in Lordstown, Ohio.

Union leaders and workers at BlueOval SK hope to replicate that success in Kentucky.

Tim Smith, UAW Region 8 Director, underscored the importance of strong participation in the upcoming union election.

“When we vote and that vote is strong, it’s just going to be better for all the workers … and for us to sit down with the company and negotiate,” Smith said.

Looking Ahead

The next steps include hosting an election and securing a majority vote in favor of unionization.

If successful, BlueOval SK workers will join the UAW and begin negotiations for improved pay, safety measures, and benefits.

Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

Samuel Moore

Samuel Moore is the voice behind TastyWoo, specializing in US News, Local News, Business, Food, Travel, and Finance. With a passion for delivering accurate and insightful articles, Samuel ensures that every piece is thoroughly fact-checked, leaving little room for misinformation. His engaging style keeps readers informed and inspired.

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