LOUISVILLE, KY—Source: Ford union hosts strike authorization vote at Louisville Assembly and Kentucky Truck Plant by Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal

The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, or UAW, is applying pressure on the Detroit Three automakers, which include General Motors, Ford and Stellantis—which owns the Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat brands—by hosting a nationwide strike authorization vote.

Ford Motor Co., which operates both the Louisville Assembly Plant, LAP, and the Kentucky Truck Plant, KTP, in Louisville, is facing a strike authorization vote from union members at UAW Local 862 as national UAW negotiations continue ahead of a nationwide contract expiration on Sept. 14. UAW Local 862 represents roughly 12,000 rank and file workers at both LAP and KTP.

While a strike authorization vote is often seen as a formality and a common tactic for unions to take during negotiations, it will allow the UAW to strike if necessary to secure a contract it feels is best for its membership.Currently, the union is negotiating for a myriad of new contract items including eliminating tiered work, wage increases, restoration of cost-of-living adjustments, pensions for all workers, retiree medical benefits, the right to strike over plant closures, and more.

According to Bloomberg Law's work stoppage database, in 2023, there have been 177 work stoppages — including strikes and lockouts — nationwide across various industries. That's compared to the nearly 320 total strikes initiated by unions in 2022, USA Today previously reported.