The United Auto Workers union has sent another 5,600 members to General Motors and Chrysler-parent Stellantis, expanding its strike efforts and the impact of its work stoppage. The union avoided Ford headquarters, announcing they were making progress with the company, and that contract negotiations with the automaker are in process.
“We’ve made some real progress at Ford,” Fain said. “We still have serious issues to work through, but we do want to recognize that Ford is showing that they are serious about reaching a deal. At GM and Stellantis, it’s a different story.”
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Members of UAW #1248 walking out on strike in Center Line, Michigan. #StandUpUAW pic.twitter.com/MukhEhawTg
— UAW (@UAW) September 22, 2023
During a livestream with members on Friday morning, UAW President Shawn Fain said that this action targets 38 parts-distribution centers across 20 states. This move brings the number of UAW members on strike up to more than 18,000.
“At GM and Stellantis, it’s a different story,” Fain said. Ford agreed to reinstate cost-of-living increases, which were suspended in 2009, along with enhanced profit-sharing and the right to strike over plant closures, among other offers. GM and Stellantis have rejected the union’s proposals for cost-of-living increases, profits sharing and job security, and “are going to need some serious pushing,” according to Fain.
“Today’s strike escalation by the UAW’s top leadership is unnecessary,” GM said in a statement. “The UAW leadership is manipulating the bargaining process for their own personal agendas.”
Anderson Economic Group, a consulting firm in Michigan that tracks the industry, estimated Friday that the three big automakers have suffered economic losses of more than $1.6 billion since the strike began last week at a Ford assembly plant near Detroit, a GM factory in Wentzville, Missouri, and a Jeep plant run by Stellantis in Toledo, Ohio.
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