Ford employs more UAW members and builds more vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker — facts executives are quick to tout.
“The day that our employees are considered my enemy is the day I’ll retire,” Ford said. “The head of the UAW may consider us his enemy, but I’ll never consider our employees our enemy.”
Contracts at Ford, General Motors and Stellantis expire Sept. 14. The union is expected to aggressively push for higher wages, better benefits and more job protections.
Ford said he has not yet met with Fain, although he speaks “frequently” with Vice President Chuck Browning, who leads the UAW’s Ford department. He said he’s optimistic both sides will be able to reach an agreement.
“I’ve been part of every negotiations since 1982, and the rhetoric around this time of year always heats up,” Ford said. “You just have to fight through all that and say, what are the real issues, where is the common ground, and how can we move forward? And I believe we’ll do that.”
