The United Automobile Workers union announced on Thursday that its members would go on strike in three plants across three states at midnight. This would be the first strike affecting all three Detroit automakers simultaneously. The strike comes as negotiations between the union and the companies – General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis – have reached an impasse with the current collective bargaining agreement set to expire.
The strike initially targets one plant owned by each automaker but could potentially have a wider impact, forcing the automakers to halt production at other locations. The affected plants produce highly profitable trucks, such as the Ford Bronco and Chevrolet Colorado.
Union President Shawn Fain stated that this strike is part of a new strategy, calling on select locals to walk out. This approach differs from the union’s previous strikes, which usually targeted a single automaker.
The United Automobile Workers union has a history of strike actions, but they have typically targeted a single automaker. Some strikes in the past have lasted several weeks. This limited strike could still have a significant impact on the automakers because it affects plants that produce their most profitable trucks.
The plants included in the strike represent only a small portion of the total unionized factories of General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, as well as the companies’ U.A.W. members.
The union’s demands include a 40 percent wage increase over the next four years, cost-of-living adjustments, improved retiree pensions and healthcare, shorter workweeks, and job security measures. The manufacturers have met the union halfway on wages but have opposed the other demands.
General Motors has offered a 20 percent wage increase over the life of the new contract, including a 10 percent raise in the first year, as well as cost-of-living adjustments for more senior workers. They have also proposed allowing new hires to reach the top wage after four years.
The union’s demands come at a time when automakers like General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis have been reporting near-record earnings. The union argues that the compensation packages for the chief executives of these companies have increased significantly while worker wages have not seen the same level of growth.
General Motors’ CEO, Mary T. Barra, stated that the company has made a compelling offer that addresses wage growth, job security, and long-term stability. She also emphasized the importance of continuing to invest in the transition to electric vehicles.
The Biden administration has been monitoring the negotiations and has encouraged all parties to stay at the table and ensure that workers receive a fair contract. President Biden has spoken with U.A.W. President Shawn Fain and leaders of the auto companies.
If the strike continues for an extended period, it could impact the availability of new cars and lead to price increases. The auto industry is still recovering from the effects of the pandemic, which caused production to halt and reduced vehicle supplies. The strike would also have ripple effects on the automakers’ supply chains and potentially affect other businesses.
