KY Chamber chief: Unionization at Blue Oval SK could slow progress | Opinion

When the largest economic development project in Kentucky’s history chose Glendale as its home, it wasn’t just a win for the region—it was personal. As someone who grew up in Hardin County, I know what this investment means for families and for the long-term vitality of our communities.

It symbolizes Kentucky’s future and represents what’s possible when innovation and pro-growth policies align to create opportunity right here at home.

When companies like BlueOval SK make an investment of this magnitude, it doesn’t just create jobs—it changes the trajectory of a community forever. New career paths are opened. Local economies are strengthened. Most importantly, people no longer have to leave the towns they love to find opportunities.

For too long, many Kentuckians have felt the need to move elsewhere to build a career. Announcements like this prove that the best opportunities can be found right here at home.

BlueOval SK made a bold investment in Kentucky. Now we must do our part and allow them to succeed.

The numbers speak for themselves. BlueOval SK will ultimately create 2,500 new jobs at each of its two Kentucky plants, for a total of more than 5,000. As of now, approximately 1,450 team members have already been hired at the first plant, with 94% coming from local communities. These are not just job postings. They are life-changing opportunities for Kentuckians who want to work, find success, and stay close to home.

Equally important is how BlueOval SK supports its workforce—with a strong commitment to well-being and a safe, supportive culture.

While this project has made national headlines, it’s important to remember that the company hasn’t sold a single battery yet. This is still the beginning. BlueOval SK needs to find its footing as it begins production and continues to hire hundreds of our friends and neighbors. This is particularly important given the enormously competitive electric vehicle landscape in this country and abroad, where the $7,500 credit is no longer available for vehicle purchasers, and the 30% electric vehicle federal government mandate is gone.

Let’s give this project the best opportunity to thrive. That starts with preserving a direct, collaborative relationship between company leadership and the team members building Kentucky’s future. At this early and critical stage, unionization could introduce barriers that limit flexibility, slow progress, and disrupt the alignment that’s essential to long-term success. In a fast-moving and highly competitive industry, that connection is more important than ever—for the workforce, for the company, and for the Commonwealth.

A project of this magnitude must be protected—because if we succeed here, we open the door for even more transformational investments across the state.

This project is also part of a much larger success story. Kentucky ranks first in the nation for vehicle production per capita and leads in electric vehicle battery production. More than 250,000 Kentuckians are employed in manufacturing, a thriving and essential part of our state’s economy.

We’ve worked hard to position the Commonwealth as a national leader in business development, and BlueOval SK is a key part of that progress. What happens on August 26 and 27 when BlueOval SK workers decide their future will shape not only the future of this project, but the future of our communities, workforce, and economy. Let’s get this right—for Glendale, for the Commonwealth, and the future we’re all building together.

Ashli Watts is president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.