Ford Motor Executive Chairman, Bill Ford Jr., has voiced concerns over the monthlong strike by the United Auto Workers (UAW), warning that it risks damaging the U.S. auto industry and hindering its ability to compete with nonunion foreign rivals. He emphasized that the fight should not be seen as Ford versus the UAW, but rather as Ford and the UAW against companies such as Toyota, Honda, Tesla, and Chinese automakers who want to enter the American market. Ford believes that these foreign rivals are benefiting from the strike and that prolonging it will result in a win for them and a loss for all parties involved.

The UAW has been demanding substantial pay and benefits increases, shorter working hours, expanded pensions, and an end to the system that pays new hires only half of the top UAW wage. Negotiations for new labor contracts have been ongoing since July, with the union resorting to strikes at a few plants over the past month to increase pressure on the companies. Thus far, the strike has idled three Ford plants, two General Motors (GM) factories, one Stellantis plant, and 38 spare-parts warehouses at GM and Stellantis.

Ford executives claim to have made a record offer to the union, but the UAW is pressing for greater concessions, leaving both sides at odds over key issues. The strike has already caused significant industry losses, estimated at $7.7 billion, including $3.45 billion for the Big Three automakers. In response to Ford's comments, UAW President Shawn Fain criticized the chairman for playing games and called on him to meet the union's demands to avoid further escalation.

Ford's appeal to end the strike comes as the company faces unexpected challenges, particularly the strike at its Kentucky truck plant producing its most profitable vehicles. Ford warned that if the strike continues, it will have a major impact on the American economy. Fain, however, argued that workers at Tesla, Honda, and Toyota are not the enemy but future UAW members, emphasizing that the fight is against corporate greed.

Despite Ford's efforts to urge restraint and unity, tensions remain high between the company and the UAW. The UAW has vowed to strike additional plants at any time, and Ford has furloughed thousands of workers due to the strike. The union believes that Ford has room to increase compensation further, while the automaker contends that it has reached the limit of what it can offer in terms of higher wages and benefits.

Observers, such as labor professor Harley Shaiken, believe that Ford's statements are aimed at influencing workers and moving the negotiations in a more favorable direction. However, it remains uncertain whether Ford's appeal will successfully resolve the labor dispute and prevent further disruptions to the auto industry. General Motors and Stellantis have yet to comment on the ongoing strike.