In today’s episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Tracie McMillan, project editor for the "Striking Back" series at Capital & Main, discussed the workplace safety and unionization efforts at the Blue Oval SK battery plant in Kentucky, and the union-busting tactics employed by Ford and its joint venture partner SK On.
McMillan began by describing her personal connection to union work, growing up in Michigan and coming from a family with deep union roots. She explained that her editorial role at Capital & Main, where she leads coverage of new worker organizing efforts across the country, focusing on both traditional union movements and non-union organizing. McMillan said her reporting aims to highlight stories that impact workers, including their rights, safety and quality of life, making the struggles at Blue Oval SK particularly relevant.
McMillan discussed the situation at Blue Oval SK, Ford’s battery plant in Kentucky. McMillan detailed the hazardous working conditions faced by employees, noting incidents such as inadequate safety training and a potentially hazardous plant fire. Workers at the facility filed for a union election in January, seeking better safety standards and the affordable healthcare that was initially promised. However, McMillan explained that delays in scheduling the union vote and the complexities of joint ventures have made organizing an uphill battle, demonstrating how companies can strategically resist labor efforts in so-called “Right-To-Work” states.
Finally, McMillan discussed the deliberate union-busting strategies used by Ford and SK On, including hiring high-priced anti-union consultants and deploying targeted social media campaigns. Despite support from the previous Biden administration and recent labor board rulings aimed at protecting organizing rights, the slow pace of federal decision-making and persistent employer opposition remain significant obstacles. McMillan noted that the United Auto Workers are determined to organize in the South and sees the Blue Oval SK campaign as a pivotal moment in their broader efforts to secure safer, more equitable jobs for workers in emerging industries.
For more from McMillan and the Blue Oval SK organizing efforts, listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.
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