The Battle of the Overpass tarnished his reputation as a pro-worker

Ford raised worker pay rates by establishing the idea of the "Five Dollar Wage," which, after accounting for inflation, amounts to almost $130 today. This move attracted the best mechanics, which proved to be very beneficial in the long run. Ford also popularized the 5-day workweek, which required workers to put in 8-hour days five days a week. Chevrolet, built by General Motors, outsold the Model A, which led to its discontinuation in 1931. Plymouth, made by Chrysler, also outsold the Model A. Ford unveiled the first V-8 engine in 1932, but by 1936 the business had fallen to third place in terms of sales in the automobile sector. Ford fought long and hard against labor unionization, even after his rivals reached agreements with the United Automobile Workers (UAW), despite his progressive minimum wage policy.

Ford believed that certain leaders in labor unions had too much of an influence on the organization and eventually did more harm to the employees than good. He said they limited output to boost employment and frequently started strikes to keep their hold on power. Ford elevated ex-Navy boxer Harry Bennett to lead the Service Department. For his use of intimidation against unions, Bennett gained notoriety. United Auto Workers (UAW) members and Bennett, a security guard at Ford Motor Company, got into a fight on May 26, 1937. The next day, media photos of the injured UAW members were released, and the incident earned the moniker "Battle of the Overpass". The episode damaged Ford's brand and significantly bolstered support for the UAW.