Goal Achieved: UAW President Shawn Fain Aims to Expand Union Membership Beyond Detroit
DETROIT — Shawn Fain, the president of the United Auto Workers (UAW), has set his sights on an ambitious new goal following the successful contract negotiations with Detroit’s three automakers. Fain, who secured significant pay raises and improved benefits for union members, now aims to expand UAW membership to nonunion companies across the industry.
Fain’s recent negotiations resulted in one of the richest contracts in the UAW’s 88-year history. The agreements brought an end to wage tiers, provided better pay for temporary hires, and increased 401(k) contributions. The success of these talks has already impacted nonunion auto companies. Shortly after the UAW secured major pay raises for its workers, nonunion operations such as Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and Nissan felt compelled to raise their own workers’ pay to discourage unionization efforts.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Fain revealed that workers at some nonunion plants, including Tesla, have expressed interest in joining the UAW. Encouraged by these developments, Fain emphasized that the recent contracts, with general and cost-of-living raises reaching 33% by 2028, have provided a compelling case for workers to seek representation and a voice in their workplaces.
Fain believes that the time is ripe for labor unions to grow again, empowering workers who have long endured stagnant wages while corporate executives amass ever-increasing salaries. While he expects companies to spare no expense in trying to prevent the UAW’s expansion, Fain believes the union’s success in Detroit serves as proof that workers can benefit from a collective voice.
When asked about specific nonunion companies the UAW would target first, Fain declined to reveal details. However, Tesla, with its CEO Elon Musk being a vocal opponent of unions, appears to be high on the list. Fain acknowledged that companies like Toyota and Honda would likely fight unionization efforts, potentially resorting to threats of factory closures or benefit reductions. In the case of Tesla, Musk has even suggested moving production to Mexico or other low-cost countries.
GM and Stellantis, the maker of Jeep and Ram vehicles, have agreed to bring their joint venture electric vehicle battery plants under the UAW’s national contract, facilitating the union’s efforts to organize those workers. However, Ford has not made a similar commitment, potentially posing a challenge to UAW’s organizing plans in battery plants located in Kentucky and Tennessee.
In response, Fain warned of a potential all-out war with Ford unless the company changes its stance on unionization. Ford stated that it negotiated in good faith with the UAW and aims to reach a fair deal regarding union representation of the battery plants. The automaker emphasized the significant investments involved and the need for sustainable business decisions.
Despite securing substantial gains for workers in the recent contracts, Fain expressed a desire for stronger pension increases and steady pension checks for newer hires. The union intends to push for these benefits in the 2028 contract talks and advocate for retirement security for all workers through legislative changes.
Fain believes that the increased costs for automakers resulting from the contracts will not prompt them to build new factories in Mexico or Canada. He emphasized the union’s ability to strike if a U.S. plant is closed and take action if companies choose to establish new factories elsewhere.
Throughout the interview, Fain highlighted the importance of the recent contracts not only for UAW members but also for workers in nonunion companies across the industry. By securing substantial improvements through negotiations, the UAW has demonstrated its commitment to achieving economic and social justice for all workers.
In pursuit of his ambitious goal, Fain recognizes the challenges ahead but remains determined to give workers a voice and hold companies accountable for their treatment of employees. As labor unions set their sights on a renaissance, the UAW aims to lead the charge and build a stronger and more equitable future for all workers in the auto industry.
