UAW Union Prepares Targeted Strikes Against Auto Manufacturers
United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain welcomed workers at the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan, to mark the beginning of contract negotiations on July 12, 2023. As the negotiations reach a critical point, the UAW is gearing up for unprecedented targeted strikes against auto giants Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis if new deals are not reached by 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday.
This revolutionary approach involves targeted strikes at specific plants, known as bottleneck strikes, to disrupt the production process by causing a shortage of key parts. While not unheard of, UAW President Shawn Fain plans to escalate the strikes based on the progress of negotiations. If necessary, strikes will spread to other plants, effectively bringing all three companies to a standstill.
Referring to the union’s strategy as a “stand-up strike,” Fain draws inspiration from the historic “sit-down” strikes by the UAW during the 1930s. However, the potential ripple effects of these targeted strikes remain uncertain. It is unclear how the shutdown of one plant will affect others, and there is a possibility that non-striking union members may face unemployment if their state permits them to collect benefits due to work stoppage.
One concern for the UAW is the companies’ ability to respond with lockouts, where workers are barred from entering the facilities. This could potentially pave the way for permanent replacement workers and intensified plant shutdowns. While lockouts are more prevalent in other countries, they have occurred in the United States, with one recent example being the 10-month lockout of workers at an Exxon Mobil refinery in Texas.
Automakers may try to continue production at plants for as long as possible to offset the impact of potential strikes, particularly considering recent supply chain disruptions and the ongoing pandemic. The legality and appropriateness of such actions will depend on various factors that companies need to consider, as pointed out by labor attorney Jeffrey S. Kopp.
Unlike previous strikes, which focused on local contracts, these targeted strikes will address national issues. Expired contracts nullify the restrictions on strikes contained within the union’s national contracts, allowing the UAW to strike at local plants over broader concerns. This departure from the norm has the potential to lead to litigation or complaints with the National Labor Relations Board.
In terms of logistics, targeted strikes present a complex challenge, as the consequences for non-striking union members and the availability of strike funds must be carefully considered. The UAW’s strike fund, which is currently valued at $825 million, provides $500 per week to eligible members during a strike. While this fund could support approximately 11 weeks of strikes, it does not factor in additional healthcare costs that the union would need to cover.
Despite the uncertainties and challenges, UAW President Shawn Fain remains resolute in the union’s mission. He emphasizes the need for UAW members to stand together and fight for their rights, acknowledging that they cannot rely on outside help to win this battle. With a firm belief in their cause, Fain expresses his willingness to strike if necessary, confident in the righteousness of their struggle.
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