UAW Threatens Additional Auto Plant Strikes in the U.S. Without Significant Progress

DETROIT – The United Auto Workers union plans to announce additional strikes at General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis plants if negotiations do not make “serious progress” by noon ET Friday, according to UAW President Shawn Fain. This announcement comes just over a week after the union initiated targeted strikes at assembly plants for the “Big Three” Detroit automakers, resulting in approximately 12,700 workers participating in picket lines.

Fain emphasized the union’s urgency in a video released online, stating, “Autoworkers have waited long enough to make things right at the Big Three. We’re not waiting around, and we’re not messing around. So, noon on Friday, September 22nd is a new deadline.”

Following the initiation of the targeted strikes, Fain expressed the union’s intention to escalate work stoppages based on progress in negotiations with the companies. The recent announcement follows the union’s meetings with each of the automakers since the strikes began on Friday.

Unlike the previous contract deadlines, Fain did not specify that tentative agreements must be reached to avoid additional strikes, but rather emphasized the need for “serious progress.” The union has not provided further details on what constitutes “serious progress” aside from a tentative deal.

The current strikes involve workers from GM’s midsize truck and full-size van plant in Wentzville, Missouri; Ford’s Ranger midsize pickup and Bronco SUV plant in Wayne, Michigan; and Stellantis’ Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator plant in Toledo, Ohio.

UAW’s targeted strike strategy involves focusing on key plants that can disrupt production due to parts shortages. Although targeted strikes are not unprecedented, the union’s approach in conducting them simultaneously with all three automakers is unconventional.

Fain explained the union’s new approach, stating, “The ‘Stand Up Strike’ is a new approach to striking. Instead of striking all plants all at once, select locals have been called on to ‘Stand Up’ and walk out on strike. If the automakers fail to make progress in negotiations and bargain in good faith going forward, more locals will be called on to Stand Up and join the strike.”

Despite automakers making significant offers, including approximately 20% hourly wage increases, hefty bonuses, and the retention of platinum health care benefits, the union remains firm in its demands. Key demands include 40% hourly pay increases, a reduced 32-hour workweek, a return to traditional pensions, the elimination of compensation tiers, and the restoration of cost-of-living adjustments.

Ford and Stellantis have not yet responded to the new “deadline” mentioned by Fain. GM released a general statement expressing its commitment to bargaining in good faith for the benefit of its team members, customers, suppliers, and communities across the U.S.