LOUISVILLE, Ky. — United Auto Workers are gearing up for a strike if they cannot agree on a new contract. 

Last week, UAW Local 862 workers participated in a practice picket to ensure its members know what to do should they choose to walk off the job. 

UAW Local 862 has around 12,000 members who work for Ford in Louisville and recently 99% of them voted to authorize a strike. 

Last Friday, in the blistering heat, over a hundred union members lined the sidewalks outside of their union hall on Fern Valley Road. Adolph Thompkins was one of them. 

Adolph Thompkins has worked for Ford for more than 30 years. He and his wife are both part of United Auto Workers (Spectrum News 1/Mason Brighton)

“Alright UAW,” Thompkins chanted on the picket line. 

Thompkins has worked for Ford for over 30 years. He says he’s here to show that he’s prepared to strike should he need to. 

“It shows strength that we’re standing together,” Thompkins said. “It shows that we are fighting for something that’s well worth it.”

Adolph Thompkins holds up a sigh during a practice picket in Louisville (Spectrum News 1/Mason Brighton)

On Sept. 20, the union’s current contract with Ford, General Motors and Stellantis will expire. UAW is calling for the elimination of tiered wages and benefits, pay increases and the re-establishment of cost-of-living allowances for workers. 

“Mainly for me. I’m looking for retirement benefits. I want them to show that they’re going to give the retirees a lot more than they did in the past. It seems like they’ve taken from the retirees,” Thompkins said. “So that’s more important to me.”

Ford released the following statement on the current situation. 

“Ford is proud to build more vehicles in America and employ more UAW-represented hourly workers in America than any other automaker. We look forward to working with the UAW on creative solutions during this time when our dramatically changing industry needs a skilled and competitive workforce more than ever.”

Thompkins says it’s his duty to take part in the practice picket. 

“My health, my finances, everything that I’ve worked for. It’s been for the UAW and Ford Motor Company, and I want to show them that I’ve been dedicated and I like to see them being dedicated to me.”

Union leadership says the overwhelming support to authorize a strike goes to show that their workers are ready for a new deal. The union represents over 150,000 workers across the country.