'You Just Lost Kentucky Truck Plant': How Ford-UAW Labor Talks Broke Down In Just 10 Minutes

The meeting that concluded with United Auto Workers union members walking out of Ford Motor Co‘s (NYSE:F) Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville reportedly lasted less than 10 minutes.

What Happened: UAW met with officials at Ford’s headquarters at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening, Automotive News reported, citing a company insider with knowledge of the matter.

UAW’s entire bargaining committee including union President Shawn Fain apparently attended the meeting to discuss Ford’s counteroffer. However, the meeting lasted less than ten minutes as Ford did not have a counteroffer at hand.

As per the report, Fain stood up and said "You just lost Kentucky Truck Plant."

Why It Matters: Several UAW members walked out of Ford‘s largest plant on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, effectively shutting it down.

“We have been crystal clear, and we have waited long enough, but Ford has not gotten the message,” said Fain. “It’s time for a fair contract at Ford and the rest of the Big Three. If they can’t understand that after four weeks, the 8,700 workers shutting down this extremely profitable plant will help them understand it.”

The Kentucky truck plant is Ford’s most profitable operation, according to Reuters, and contributes $25 billion in annual sales, accounting for approximately a sixth of the company’s global automotive revenue.

The union kickstarted their simultaneous strike against the Detroit three automakers — General Motors Co, Ford, and Stellantis NV — in mid-September demanding better pay and other incentives. The strike has now entered its fourth week.

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