Sept. 29 (UPI) — UAW President Shawn Fain on Friday expanded the autoworker strike against Ford and GM, citing a lack of progress in negotiations.
Fain called for an additional 7,000 workers at Ford’s Chicago Assembly and GM’s Lansing Michigan Delta Township plant to join the strike that began a week ago.
“Without the strike weapon, the war on workers is a rigged fight,” Fain said, adding that Ford and GM “have refused to make progress” at the bargaining table.
However, just moments before Fain’s announcement, Stellantis approached the union with progress, eliminating the need for further strikes against that company.
Fain reassured that talks between the UAW and the automakers have not broken down and negotiators are working tirelessly to reach agreements with all three Detroit auto giants. He expressed optimism about achieving a deal with each of them.
The UAW president emphasized that this movement for workers’ rights extends beyond Michigan, stating that they are “fighting everywhere.”
“Our union is back in the fight and we’re not backing down from anybody,” Fain declared, highlighting the impact of the UAW strike actions across the supply chain.
Regarding the bargaining tactics employed by the companies, Fain accused them of prolonging negotiations until the last minute.
“It’s the war of the working class versus corporate greed. The workers are the liberators and the strike is our weapon of liberation,” Fain added.
Fain expressed concern over incidents of violence against UAW picketers, including instances of guns being pulled and vehicles driving through the crowds. However, he affirmed that the union will not be intimidated by the companies or their scabs.
Fain stressed the power of worker solidarity, calling it the most potent force in the world.
“When we stand together in the cause for social justice, there’s nothing we can’t do.”
The UAW also announced on Friday that casino workers in Detroit will hold strike authorization votes at MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, and Hollywood at Greektown.
These workers, represented by the Detroit Casino Council, which comprises of five unions including the UAW, are preparing to take action in support of their demands.
