Unionization Vote Looms for 1,400 Electric Vehicle Battery Workers in Hardin County

Strategic Insights -

Over 1,400 hourly workers at the BlueOval SK battery manufacturing complex in Hardin County will vote on whether to unionize, a decision that could mark a significant victory for labor rights in the electric vehicle industry. The United Auto Workers (UAW) launched its campaign to unionize the plant, a joint venture between Ford Motor Co. and South Korea-based SK On, in November 2023. The complex, described by state officials as the "single-largest economic development investment in state history," employs approximately 5,000 people when operational. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) will oversee the election, with voting starting on Tuesday and counting to begin on Wednesday evening.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BlueOval SK battery manufacturing complex is a joint venture between Ford Motor Co. and South Korea-based SK On, employing approximately 5,000 people when operational.
  • The United Auto Workers (UAW) launched its campaign to unionize the plant in November 2023, citing concerns over workplace safety and employee rights.
  • The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) will oversee the union election, with voting starting on Tuesday and counting to begin on Wednesday evening.
  • A spokesperson for BlueOval SK denied assertions from workers of unsafe conditions, stating that the company has not violated any labor laws.
  • The UAW has successfully unionized electric vehicle battery plants in Indiana, but faces challenges organizing in the South.
  • Tyler Connor, a production operator at BlueOval SK, supports unionization due to concerns over workplace safety, lack of training, and policy changes affecting personal life planning.
  • The unionization of BlueOval SK would mark another victory for the UAW in the electric vehicle industry.

Statistics:

  • 1,400: The number of hourly workers voting on whether to unionize.
  • 5,000: The estimated number of employees when the second planned plant becomes operational.
  • 391,000: The number of active members in the United Auto Workers (UAW), including workers at Ford's auto manufacturing plants in Louisville.
  • 2023: The year the UAW launched its campaign to unionize the BlueOval SK plant.

Sources:

  • "UAW launches campaign to unionize BlueOval SK battery workers in Hardin County" (kentuckylantern.com, 11/20/2024)
  • "Ford's BlueOval SK battery plant in Kentucky to begin production" (static1.squarespace.com, undated)
  • "BlueOval SK Launches Battery Production at First Kentucky Plant" (static1.squarespace.com, undated)
  • "Bosk workers call on NLRB to step in: 'We deserve a fair shot at a union vote'" (uaw-newsroom.prgloo.com, 4/22/2025)
  • "Ford, SK On battery plant in Kentucky workers raise health, safety concerns" (courier-journal.com, 5/7/2025)