June 1, 2008 Mr. Alan Mullaly Dear Mr. Mullaly: I am writing to express my concern regarding the recent announcement that Ford Motor Company intends to award the contract for all of the Louisville Assembly Plant (LAP) and the Kentucky Truck Plant (KTP) carhaul duties to a Canadian company called Autoport. This action would have a seriously negative effect on more than 450 International Brotherhood of Teamster families in Louisville, as well as a highly detrimental impact on Kentucky's economy. It is unfortunate that Ford Motor Company, with its outstanding history of support for its union employees, would now turn its back on these hard working Kentuckians in order to save a few dollars. As a long-standing advocate for labor in Jefferson County and throughout the Commonwealth, I ask that you reconsider this decision. The facts are clear and alarming. As they did in Dearborn, it is expected that Autoport will not honor the current Kentucky Teamsters' collective bargaining agreement, and will negotiate with another union. These negotiations will result in reduced wages and benefits for Louisville employees, which would be a devastating financial setback to the very people upon whom your profits have been made.. The Kentucky General Assembly has been very supportive of Ford Motor Company. Because of the partnership legislators have forged with economic engines like Ford, we provided financial incentives to assist in saving jobs and stimulating the economy as recently as the 2007 session. I sincerely hope that you and Ford Motor Company will stop this contract from going further, so that your commitment to Kentucky's economy and to the employees who serve you so well can continue to flourish in this great Commonwealth. Sincerely, Darryl Owens cc: Governor Steve Beshear
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