Bill Lee and representatives of Ford Motor Co. Photo: Gov. Bill Lee official Facebook page. In the last two weeks, numerous news stories have speculated on whether the Ford electric truck plant targeted for the Memphis Regional Megasite will be a union shop. Smith, who confirmed the union would organize at the megasite location to be called Blue Oval City. Things are a little hazier now, but Smith stands by his original comments.
Whether employees join the union will be up to them. The UAW has always taken a lead in manufacturing innovation with our employer partners. We look forward to reaching out and helping develop this new workforce to build these world class vehicles and battery components. No doubt, that would be the case in Tennessee. In fact, it could be a case of stating the obvious. The UAW is hoping to latch on with new electric vehicle plants and find jobs for members as the industry shifts away from combustion-engine vehicles.
Similarly to Farley, Gov. State Sen. Brian Kelsey, a Germantown Republican and attorney for Chicago-based Liberty Justice Center manages lawsuits against unions in other states without right to work laws. Lee is set to make an announcement Friday morning dealing with education. Speculation centers on a listening tour on spending. The law passed narrowly in the House, then was challenged in the courts. The Tennessee Supreme Court is set to rule on it after hearing arguments this year.
Then again, as one friend said, the Legislature is keeping me in a job. The money is being broken down into two installments. House Speaker Cameron Sexton pointed out during a Wednesday meeting that a number of home builders have gotten guaranteed tax credits to use THDA funds and if a certain deadline passes, those credits will disappear.
The question is: Why do they need to revisit when they have plenty of money? And, get this, the state is planning to apply for funds through the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund. Typically, cities and counties jump at the chance to pad their coffers with state and federal funds, especially when few strings are attached. Being technologically deficient is understandable. But you can always walk out on the street and find a something to do the job.
