Ford CEO Calls for Higher Wages and Better Conditions for Young Workers

During a recent speech at the Aspen Ideas Festival, Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley addressed the pressing challenges facing young workers at the automaker. He highlighted the significant wage struggles that many young employees endure, often requiring them to hold multiple jobs to make ends meet. Farley drew parallels to Henry Ford's historical decision in 1914 to raise factory wages to $5 a day, emphasizing the need for similar bold actions today to attract and retain a stable workforce. He revealed that some employees are working eight-hour shifts at companies like Amazon before coming to Ford for another seven-hour shift, severely limiting their rest.

To combat these issues, Farley announced Ford's initiative to convert temporary workers into full-time positions, thereby granting them access to better wages, profit-sharing, and healthcare benefits. This decision aligns with the collective bargaining agreements established during negotiations with the United Auto Workers (UAW). Additionally, he stressed the importance of investing in trade schools and promoting skilled trades, calling for government support similar to educational frameworks seen in Germany. Despite these efforts, the average wage for manufacturing jobs in the U.S., which stands at approximately $25 per hour, remains a barrier, causing many younger workers to seek other career options. Farley maintains that while Ford is committed to improving its workforce conditions, the challenge requires a collective effort across the industry and government to realize meaningful change.