Lexington, Kentucky, January 14, 2026
Employees of BlueOval SK, a Ford and SK On joint venture, have filed a lawsuit alleging civil rights violations, including discrimination and wrongful termination. The case, involving seven employees from the Hardin County plant, seeks a jury trial and damages for violations of the Kentucky Civil Rights Act. Allegations include failure to accommodate disabilities, racial discrimination, and inadequate workers’ compensation information. The lawsuit reflects growing concerns over labor practices in the electric vehicle manufacturing sector as the industry expands amidst ongoing legal challenges.
Lexington, Kentucky – BlueOval SK Employees File Lawsuit Alleging Civil Rights Violations
Lexington, Kentucky – Employees of BlueOval SK, a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and SK On, have filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging civil rights violations, including discrimination and wrongful termination. The suit, filed on January 7, 2026, represents seven individuals employed at BlueOval SK’s Hardin County battery plant. The plaintiffs seek a jury trial and damages for violations of the Kentucky Civil Rights Act, wrongful termination, and workers’ compensation retaliation.
Allegations of Discrimination and Retaliation
The lawsuit details several allegations against BlueOval SK and its employees. William Wilmoth, who has a disability, claims the company failed to provide necessary accommodations despite multiple requests. He was eventually transferred to a different department and later reported a “suspect hostile work environment” to Human Resources. Randall Moore, an African American employee, alleges racial discrimination and wrongful termination, citing racially charged comments from a supervisor and pressure to make false statements against coworkers. Other plaintiffs, including Amanda Johnson, Larry Cox, and Douglas Bateman, allege wrongful termination and disability discrimination. Robert Collett, who suffered a workplace injury, claims the company did not provide adequate workers’ compensation information and failed to accommodate his disability after returning to work.
Background on BlueOval SK and Recent Developments
BlueOval SK is a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and SK On, established to manufacture lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. The Hardin County plant, located in Glendale, Kentucky, has been at the center of several controversies. In December 2025, the company announced plans to lay off its 1,600 employees as the plant shifted from producing EV batteries to batteries designed for data centers. This decision followed the dissolution of the partnership between Ford and SK On, with Ford taking sole ownership of the Kentucky plants. The plant is expected to reopen in 2027 as an energy storage facility. Employees are receiving full pay and benefits until February 14, 2026. Additionally, in January 2026, the National Labor Relations Board certified a union victory for BlueOval SK employees, allowing them to negotiate the effects of the closure. The company has until January 26, 2026, to file an appeal.
Legal and Community Responses
The lawsuit adds to a series of legal challenges faced by BlueOval SK. In December 2025, Strauss Borrelli PLLC initiated an investigation into the company’s compliance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, which requires employers to provide 60 days’ notice before mass layoffs. The firm is investigating whether BlueOval SK failed to provide the required notice to its employees. Furthermore, in May 2025, a group of investors urged Ford to address claims of anti-union activities at the Kentucky battery plant, highlighting concerns over potential human rights violations and the company’s response to unionization efforts.
Implications for the Electric Vehicle Industry
The allegations against BlueOval SK underscore the challenges within the electric vehicle battery manufacturing sector, particularly concerning labor practices and employee rights. As the industry continues to expand, companies are under increasing scrutiny to uphold labor standards and address concerns related to workplace safety, discrimination, and unionization efforts. The outcomes of these legal proceedings may set precedents for labor relations in the rapidly growing EV sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is BlueOval SK?
BlueOval SK is a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and SK On, established to manufacture lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. The Hardin County plant in Glendale, Kentucky, is one of its primary facilities.
What are the allegations in the lawsuit filed against BlueOval SK?
The lawsuit alleges civil rights violations, including discrimination, wrongful termination, and workers’ compensation retaliation, involving seven employees at the Hardin County plant.
What is the current status of the Hardin County plant?
In December 2025, BlueOval SK announced plans to lay off its 1,600 employees as the plant shifted from producing EV batteries to batteries designed for data centers. The plant is expected to reopen in 2027 as an energy storage facility. Employees are receiving full pay and benefits until February 14, 2026.
What is the National Labor Relations Board’s role in this situation?
The National Labor Relations Board certified a union victory for BlueOval SK employees in January 2026, allowing them to negotiate the effects of the plant’s closure. The company has until January 26, 2026, to file an appeal.
What other legal actions have been taken against BlueOval SK?
In December 2025, Strauss Borrelli PLLC initiated an investigation into BlueOval SK’s compliance with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, which requires employers to provide 60 days’ notice before mass layoffs. Additionally, in May 2025, a group of investors urged Ford to address claims of anti-union activities at the Kentucky battery plant.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Involved | BlueOval SK, a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and SK On |
| Location | Hardin County plant, Glendale, Kentucky |
| Allegations | Civil rights violations, including discrimination and wrongful termination |
| Number of Employees Affected | Seven employees involved in the lawsuit; 1,600 employees affected by plant closure |
| Plant Status | Shifting from EV battery production to data center batteries; reopening in 2027 as an energy storage facility |
| Legal Actions | Investigation into WARN Act compliance; union certification; investor concerns over anti-union activities |
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