Ford family member calls for teamwork with UAW

Bill Ford, executive chairman at Ford Motor Co. and great-grandson of founder Henry Ford, warned this week that the contract negotiations with the United Auto Workers union could spell doom for the auto industry.

At a news conference at the Ford River Rouge complex in Dearborn, Michigan, on Monday, Mr. Ford pleaded with the union to work with the company.

“The UAW’s leaders have called us the enemy in these negotiations. But I will never consider our employees as enemies,” he said. “This should not be Ford versus the UAW. It should be Ford and the UAW vs. Toyota and Honda, Tesla and all the Chinese companies that want to enter our home.”

Mr. Ford’s comments did not convince the union. UAW President Shawn Fain responded to the plea with a typical mix of hostility and solidarity.

“It’s not the UAW and Ford against foreign automakers. It’s autoworkers everywhere against corporate greed,” he said. “If Ford wants to be the all-American auto company, they can pay all-American wages and benefits. Workers at Tesla, Toyota, Honda and others are not the enemy — they’re the UAW members of the future.”

Mr. Ford’s statement comes after a contentious week between the two parties in the labor battle. Last Wednesday, UAW announced a surprise strike at a massive Ford facility in Louisville, Kentucky. Thousands of workers were affected by the work stoppage in a move Ford called “irresponsible.” The move is expected to cost the company millions of dollars and lead to further layoffs.

After the plant’s closure, Mr. Fain announced more surprise strikes are coming if the big three car companies fail to deliver on the union’s demands. Ford said it’s at the limit of what it can offer the union.

Ford’s last offer reportedly included an over 20% pay increase, improvements to benefits and cost of living expenses and a ratification bonus. The proposal was still far below the UAW’s stated goals of a 40% pay increase, the reintroduction of retirement pensions and a four-day workweek.