A potential strike by the United Auto Workers (UAW) could have a major impact on production of the popular Ford F-150 pickup truck. The UAW and Ford Motor Company are currently negotiating a new labor contract. If negotiations break down, the UAW could go on strike, resulting in the temporary suspension of production at Ford’s facilities, including the Dearborn Truck Plant which produces the F-150.
The F-150 has been the best-selling truck in the US for 42 consecutive years, with nearly 900,000 sold in 2018 alone. It is a major source of revenue for Ford, accounting for around 30% of their total sales. If production of the F-150 were to be affected by a strike, it could have a sizable impact on the company’s bottom line.
The good news is that both parties are currently negotiating in good faith and the UAW has not yet taken any steps towards striking. However, the union has said that it will take “any and all measures necessary” to ensure a good agreement is reached. This includes the potential for a strike.
It is likely that a UAW strike would involve most or all of Ford’s facilities. While Ford has contingency plans in place to ensure the continued production of vital parts and components, a strike would still have a major effect on the production of the F-150.
Delays in production due to a strike could also affect the availability of the F-150 and its related parts. As a result, it could become difficult to find parts for the truck at dealerships or even on the aftermarket. In addition, some dealers may be forced to adjust their prices to reflect the lack of F-150s on the market.
The situation bears monitoring in the coming weeks as negotiations between Ford and the UAW continue. If an agreement isn’t reached and a strike does occur, it could have a significant effect on the production of the popular Ford F-150 pickup.