Unionization at Ford in 1930s and early 1940s Ford was considered the model of manufacturing technology in the 1920s. By offering the $5 day, and other benefits, Ford was also considered a model employer. The Great Depression changed that perception and worker unrest led to a unionization drive. Ford was more resistant than the other "Big-3" auto companies (GM and Chrysler) and was the last to unionize on the eve of WW2.