The company said it had reached the limit of what it could offer to the United Automobile Workers union, which has expanded its strike to Ford’s largest plant.
The United Automobile Workers said on Friday it had secured an important concession from General Motors regarding the contracts of workers at battery factories.
The three established U.S. automakers could struggle to get new cars and trucks to dealerships and customers during a prolonged strike that slows or stops production lines.
With their contract expiring Sept. 14, the United Auto Workers and the companies are far apart in talks. A walkout could take a big economic toll.
The vote by workers at General Motors, Ford and Stellantis came as the United Auto Workers union seeks big raises and other gains in contract talks with the three automakers.
The United Auto Workers leader vowed to be tougher than his predecessors in contract talks. His initial demands attach big numbers to that promise.
The automaker made more money on trucks and sport utility vehicles but reported bigger losses on electric vehicles.
The company is earning big profits on gasoline cars and trucks but is struggling to catch up to Tesla in the fastest-growing segment of the auto market.
Sales of electric vehicles have slowed recently partly because prices of some models like the F-150 Lightning had risen a lot.
The U.A.W., with a more confrontational leader, aims to win back wage and benefit concessions and insulate jobs from the rise of electric vehicles.