DETROIT – According to UAW President Shawn Fain, the United Auto Workers is expanding strikes to 38 parts and distribution locations across 20 states for General Motors and Stellantis. However, the union will not initiate additional strikes at Ford Motor, as the company has shown a commitment to reaching a deal. Fain made this announcement during a Facebook Live session. On the other hand, Fain expressed that at GM and Stellantis, negotiations are proceeding differently.
Fain commended Ford for making progress in resolving issues such as wage tiers, cost-of-living adjustments, and profit-sharing. He also noted that the union has won the right to strike over plant closures during the term of the agreement and to convert temporary workers to permanent positions after at least 90 days of employment at the company.
(L-R) Supporter Ryan Sullivan, and United Auto Workers members Chris Sanders-Stone, Casey Miner, Kennedy R. Barbee Sr. and Stephen Brown picket outside the Jeep Plant on September 18, 2023 in Toledo, Ohio.
Sarah Rice | Getty Images
Ford stated that they are diligently working with the UAW to reach an agreement, but there are still significant gaps to be addressed regarding key economic issues. The strikes at GM and Stellantis parts suppliers will involve around 5,600 auto workers, including 3,500 GM employees, joining the UAW’s ongoing strikes at the Detroit automakers.
About a week ago, approximately 12,700 UAW workers went on strike at GM’s midsize truck and full-size van plant in Missouri, Ford’s Ranger midsize pickup and Bronco SUV plant in Michigan, and Stellantis’ Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator plant in Ohio. The expansion of strikes to include full-size truck plants, which are essential for the profitability of the automakers, was expected.
The UAW initiated targeted strikes after failing to reach tentative agreements by the expiration of the previous contracts on September 14 at 11:59 p.m. The decision to expand the strikes comes after leaked messages involving UAW communications director Jonah Furman were reported, raising questions about the union’s motives for the work stoppages.
In these private group messages, Furman describes the UAW’s strategy and targeted strikes as causing “recurring reputational damage and operational chaos” for the automakers. Furman also noted that if the union can keep the companies wounded for months, they won’t know how to respond.
This is a developing story. Please check back for additional updates.
