Automakers express doubt about UAW’s motives for strike following leaked messages

In light of leaked messages by a union director urging to “keep them wounded for months,” major automakers are questioning the motives behind the targeted strikes launched by the United Auto Workers (UAW).

The messages, which were shared privately among a group on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter), involve UAW communications director Jonah Furman discussing the impact of the union’s public posturing and targeted strikes on the reputation and operations of automakers.

These messages contradict UAW President Shawn Fain’s public statements that the union has been negotiating in good faith and is available around the clock to bargain a deal.

General Motors (GM) expressed that the leaked information raises doubts about who is in charge of UAW strategy and demonstrates a lack of concern for the significance of the situation. The automaker stated that it is now clear that the UAW leadership had intended to cause disruption for months, regardless of the harm it may cause to its members and communities.

Executives from other automakers, including Ford Motor and Stellantis, have also expressed frustration with the union’s negotiation tactics.

Furman, who has been involved in the negotiations, did not respond to requests for comment. In response to The Detroit News, he neither confirmed nor denied writing the messages, but referred to them as private and not meant to be shared.

The leaked messages were revealed as the UAW announced additional plants to be included in their “stand-up strikes,” reminiscent of the historic “sit-down” strikes by the UAW in the 1930s.

Despite record contract offers from automakers, the expanded strikes continue. The union has demanded significant hourly pay increases, a shortened workweek, a return to traditional pensions, the elimination of compensation tiers, and the restoration of cost-of-living adjustments, among other contract improvements.

All automakers have stated that they will continue to negotiate with UAW representatives in an effort to reach tentative agreements for the 146,000 autoworkers covered by the contracts.