Ford Mimics Henry Ford's $5 Wage to Aid Young Workers

Ford CEO Jim Farley has adopted a strategy reminiscent of founder Henry Ford's revolutionary $5-a-day wage from 1914 to address the struggles of young employees. Farley learned that many younger workers at Ford were working multiple jobs, some even taking shifts at Amazon, due to inadequate pay. This often resulted in severe sleep deprivation and financial strain, prompting Farley to seek a solution inspired by the past.

To rectify this situation, Ford has converted temporary workers into full-time employees. This transition, outlined in past contract negotiations, grants these workers access to higher wages, profit-sharing checks, and better healthcare coverage. Farley acknowledged the significant cost of this initiative but stressed its necessity for the company and, more broadly, for the country's economic landscape.

This approach by Ford mirrors Henry Ford's original intent behind increasing wages: not just altruism, but a strategic move to attract and retain a stable workforce and enable employees to afford the company's products. Farley's actions signal a commitment to improving the lives of his employees and addressing the broader challenge of attracting and keeping young talent in manufacturing roles.