UAW President, Shawn Fain, announced that there will be no new expansions to the ongoing strike as it enters its fifth week. In a webcast, Fain stated that the union will no longer notify the Big Three automakers before calling for additional walkouts. He emphasized their readiness to call on more locals to join the strike at any time with little notice. This change in strategy is a result of the automakers waiting until the end of the work week to make substantial offers. Last week, the UAW increased its walkout by shutting down Ford’s largest factory in Kentucky, where 8,700 members walked out. This brings the total number of workers on strike against the three car makers to approximately 34,000.
Fain criticized Ford for repeatedly promising more money, only to deliver the same economic offer. The strike at Ford’s truck plant, responsible for producing profitable vehicles like the Super Duty pickup, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Expedition, caught the automaker off guard. Fain revealed that Ford’s proposal included a 23% pay hike, higher than the offers from General Motors and Stellantis (Chrysler’s parent company), which both offered 20% raises.
The UAW is actively negotiating with GM and Stellantis, and Fain expressed disappointment in Ford’s claim that it had reached its limit on its offer. He described Ford’s statement as pathetic, highlighting the frustration of workers who have gone without raises for a decade and have concerns about retirement security. The strike, which began on September 15, is historic as it targets all three automakers simultaneously. Currently, approximately 34,000 workers are striking at six assembly plants and 38 parts-distribution centers.
Fain stated that with each passing day of the strike, public support against corporate greed at the Big Three automakers grows. He referred to a recent poll from the Associated Press, which showed that only 9% of Americans support the automakers. Last week, the UAW reported progress in negotiations and decided against expanding the strike to additional plants. GM also agreed to include joint-venture electric vehicle battery factories under the UAW contract, ensuring unionization of these plants. This is an important issue for the UAW as it aims to protect workers affected by the industry’s shift towards electric vehicles.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
