UAW Claims Narrow Union Win at Ford Kentucky Battery Plant

The United Auto Workers (UAW) have claimed a narrow victory in a union vote at Ford's BlueOval SK battery plant in Kentucky, with 526 votes in favor and 515 against, although 41 challenge ballots remain unresolved and could potentially affect the outcome. The union has labeled these challenge ballots as illegitimate and an employer tactic to undermine the vote, urging Ford to recognize the majority decision and cease efforts to contest the results. This win would represent a significant boost for UAW's efforts to unionize key electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing sites in the U.S. South, a strategically important region as the automotive industry shifts toward electrification. The BlueOval SK facility, a joint venture between Ford and SK On, currently employs about 1,450 workers and aims to expand to 5,000 employees across two plants producing batteries for Ford EVs, including the F-150 Lightning. UAW President Shawn Fain has emphasized the importance of organizing at EV and battery plants following recent victories and setbacks in Southern states. The National Labor Relations Board and Ford have not commented on the challenge ballots, leaving the final certification pending.