The United Auto Workers (UAW) strike against the Detroit Three automakers has now entered its fourth day as negotiations continue between the union and General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. This coordinated strike is the first time that the UAW has simultaneously struck all three automakers, targeting three assembly plants. The strike comes at a time when Americans’ approval of labor unions is at its highest point in decades.
Currently, approximately 12,700 UAW workers are on strike, causing disruptions at three plants in Michigan, Ohio, and Missouri. Production of popular models such as the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Chevrolet Colorado has come to a halt. Industry analysts and executives speculate on whether the UAW will extend the strike to additional plants to increase pressure on the companies.
UAW President Shawn Fain has expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the negotiations, suggesting that the union is prepared to take further action if necessary. If the strike continues, analysts anticipate that plants producing more profitable pickup trucks, such as Ford’s F-150, GM’s Chevy Silverado, and Stellantis’s Ram, will be the next targets.
The automakers have proposed 20% raises over the course of their proposed deals, which span four-and-a-half years. However, this falls short of the UAW’s demands, which include higher wages, shorter work weeks, restored pensions, and increased job security in light of the industry’s shift towards electric vehicles.
Sources:
– Reuters