Shawn Fain, President of the influential United Auto Workers (UAW) union, revealed on Wednesday that the organization is prepared to initiate a rolling strike across all automakers in Detroit. This news comes via the UAW’s Facebook page.
Sept. 13 (UPI) — Fain confirmed speculations surrounding the union’s strategy, explaining that they will target specific plants instead of all facilities. However, additional plants may be included in the strike based on its progress.
The labor contract negotiation deadline with the Detroit Three companies – Ford Motor Co., General Motors, and Stellantis – is scheduled just before midnight on Thursday. Fain’s comments serve as the most explicit indication thus far that the union intends to strike.
“When we say our union is back in the fight, we mean it,” he asserted during the Facebook Live session.
Referring to their renowned “Sit-Down” strike in the 1930s, the UAW has named the impending strike “Stand Up.”
Corporate arguments about potential consequences, such as increased car prices or harm to the economy, resulting from higher hourly wages were dismissed by Fain. He further emphasized that while progress has been made in negotiations, there remains a significant gap between the union’s key priorities and the current offers.
Among the UAW’s demands are wage increases of up to 46%, a 32-hour work week paid as 40 hours, cost-of-living adjustments, and comprehensive benefits for retirees.
“Since Day 1 of bargaining, we’ve made it clear to the companies that Sept. 14 is not just a reference point, but a deadline,” Fain remarked, stating that the car manufacturers continuously undervalue their employees.
“The Big Three have the means to provide their fair share. If they opt against it, they’re essentially striking themselves. We have no reservations about taking action.”
However, based on comments on the UAW’s Facebook account, some union members have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of a staggered strike approach, preferring a simultaneous strike to avoid disparity among workers.
One commenter, Aaron Spiers, stated, “Not happy!!! Would rather accept the current offer than participate in this partial strike while others work with expired contracts! There’s no solidarity in watching some go hungry while others work and risk their job with no protection.”
Others encouraged the union to “stand strong” in defending job security, as carmakers increasingly outsource labor. Some criticized both sides for not taking negotiations more “seriously” until the contracts are about to expire.
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