This apparently overlooked Ford’s statement: “Ford employs the most UAW workers and is the most American automaker in terms of vehicles assembled and vehicles exported from the U.S. We have made these choices because we believe in American workers, in our partnership with the UAW and in enriching American communities,” said CEO Jim Farley who is facing the biggest challenge of his career.

Even though Ford has exceeded its commitments to add jobs and invest during the last three contracts, most recently creating or retaining 5600 additional UAW-represented jobs beyond the 8500 it committed to and investing $1.4 billion beyond the $6 billion also committed during the 2019 contract, labor relations look to be the worst since the infamous “Battle of the Overpass” in May of 1937 where Walter Reuther and members of the UAW fought with Ford “security guards” (aka muscle or company goons) at Miller Road bridge at the Rouge Plant complex in Dearborn, Michigan. It was a public relations disaster for the company. How things have gotten this bad is a question that likely will take years to answer.

Battle of the Overpass Ford Rouge Plant – 26 May 1937 Robert Kanter, Richard Frankensteen and Walter Reuther – courtesy of Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs, Wayne State University.