UAW To Expand Strikes On Friday If “Serious Progress” Not Made By Noon
The United Auto Workers (UAW) is increasing the pressure on Ford, General Motors (GM), and Stellantis by announcing plans to expand their Stand Up Strike. UAW President Shawn Fain revealed in a video that a new strike deadline of noon on September 22 has been set. If substantial progress towards a fair agreement has not been made by that time, more workers will join the strike.
Fain emphasized that the UAW will continue to target the companies where necessary, stating, “We’re going to keep hitting them where we need to, when we need to. And we’re not going to keep waiting around forever while they drag this out.”
The UAW’s decision to expand the strikes comes after a week of limited impact on the automakers. Currently, the strikes are only taking place at GM’s Wentzville Assembly, Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant, and Stellantis’ Toledo Assembly Complex. These strikes have resulted in the suspension of production for models such as the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, Ford Bronco and Ranger, and Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler.
However, if the UAW wants to make a more significant impact, they may need to target full-size trucks and high-demand vehicles with tight inventories. These models attract a lot of attention and have a substantial impact on the automakers’ bottom line.
The UAW’s decision to simultaneously strike at all three automakers is unprecedented. The union hopes that this coordinated effort will put additional pressure on the companies to reach a fair agreement that meets the needs of their members.
The ongoing strikes highlight the challenges faced by the UAW and the automakers in negotiating new labor contracts. The UAW is seeking better wages, benefits, and job security for its members. However, the automakers are grappling with supply chain disruptions, semiconductor shortages, and the transition to electric vehicles, which have added complexity to the negotiations.
The strikes have already disrupted production and caused financial losses for the automakers. The longer the strikes continue, the more significant the impact will be on their operations and profitability. Both the UAW and the automakers have a vested interest in reaching a resolution as quickly as possible.
The UAW’s decision to expand the strikes indicates their dissatisfaction with the progress made in negotiations thus far. Fain expressed frustration, stating, “If we don’t make serious progress by noon on Friday, September 22nd, more locals will be called on to Stand Up and join the strike. That will mark more than a week since our first members walked out. And that will mark more than a week of the Big Three failing to make progress in negotiations toward reaching a deal that does right by our members.”
The UAW is determined to fight for its members’ rights and ensure they receive fair treatment from the automakers. The expansion of the strikes demonstrates their commitment to achieving their goals.
As the strike deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Ford, GM, and Stellantis to see if they can make significant progress in negotiations. The outcome of these negotiations will not only impact the UAW and the automakers but also the broader automotive industry.
In conclusion, the UAW’s decision to expand the strikes on Friday if “serious progress” is not made by noon reflects their determination to fight for their members’ rights. The strikes have already disrupted production and caused financial losses for the automakers. The ongoing negotiations between the UAW and the automakers are crucial for reaching a fair agreement that meets the needs of both parties. The outcome of these negotiations will have far-reaching implications for the UAW, the automakers, and the automotive industry as a whole.