Autoworkers in the United States are preparing to go on strike as demands for higher pay and a shorter workweek go unmet. The United Auto Workers (UAW) union announced on Friday that its members have overwhelmingly voted in favor of authorizing a strike against the country’s largest automakers, General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford. If the companies fail to reach a deal with the union, nearly 150,000 autoworkers could walk off the job in a matter of weeks, resulting in assembly line shutdowns.
UAW President Shawn Fain expressed the urgency of the situation, stating that autoworkers are prepared to go on strike as soon as September 14. Fain urged union members to show their unity and determination, stating, Let’s show them that we are united and ready to back up those words with collective action.
The list of demands put forward by the UAW includes increased paid time off, a shorter 32-hour workweek, a substantial pay increase, and an end to wage tiers. Fain emphasized the importance of meeting these needs by the specified date, stating, we gotta do what we gotta do if the demands aren’t met. He expressed weariness and frustration with the current state of affairs, saying, I’m tired. I’m tired after 29 years as a member of this union, and I know you’re tired of watching things go backwards. And we’re here today to stop that. We’re here to turn that around.
While General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford have acknowledged the economic impact that a strike could have, with estimates suggesting it could cost the Big Three automakers over $5 billion in just 10 days, they have also stated that they are working with UAW members to find solutions.
Despite the potential costs, the UAW is prepared for the picket lines. The union has a strike fund of $825 million and has increased strike pay to $500 per week. With 97% of the vote in favor of the strike authorization poll, the UAW represents approximately 150,000 workers across the three automakers.
UAW President Fain highlighted the dissatisfaction among union members, stating, Our union’s membership is clearly fed up with living paycheck-to-paycheck while the corporate elite and billionaire class continue to make out like bandits. The Big Three have been breaking the bank while we have been breaking our backs.
As the deadline approaches and negotiations continue, the automotive industry and the broader economy remain on edge, with the potential for a significant disruption to production and supply chains. The outcome of this labor dispute will have ramifications for both the autoworkers and the industry as a whole.
