Ford CEO rebuffs UAW leader's criticisms as strike deadline on Thursday approaches

Ford CEO Jim Farley rebuffs comments by United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain .

UAW is simultaneously negotiating separate national contracts with automakers Ford , GM and Stellantis .

Farley said the company has received "no genuine counteroffer" on its four economic proposals.

He also said Fain was absent during a Tuesday meeting that he and Ford Chair Bill Ford expected Fain to attend.

If the UAW and companies cannot reach a deal by an 11:59 p.m. ET .

Ford: Significantly increased our proposal on wage increases; Offered Cost of Living Adjustments , or COLA ; Fully eliminated wage tiers so all employees can achieve industry-leading wages.

Added more paid time off, with up to five weeks of vacation and 17 paid holidays each year .

Protected health care benefits that would continue to rank in the top 1% of all employer sponsored medical plans.