The United Auto Workers (UAW) says yes to possible strikes against major carmakersThe United Auto Workers (UAW) says yes to possible strikes against major carmakers.
The American labor union announced that the majority of participants in the strike authorization voted in favor of the possible protests.
UAW Strike: Ford, GM, Stellantis Workers Near Major Protests
United Auto Worker (UAW) Donald Groce walks a picket line at a Chrysler parts distribution center October 10, 2007 in Naperville, Illinois. The UAW has called a strike against Chrysler this morning after failing to reach and agreement with the auto maker during all-night negotiations.
According to CNN Business' latest report, 97% said yes to the major strike against General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford. Although the votes are still being tallied, Business Insider reported that such votes are usually approved by large margins.
This means that the UAW union could authorize one or more protests against the giant automakers. If these strikes really happen, then it would be a huge hit to GM, Stellantis, and Ford. As of writing, there are over 145,000 UAW members at these three car companies. The union's president, Shawn Fain, commented about the votes favoring the strikes.
"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," said the UAW president.
The strike authorization happened as GM, Ford, and Stellantis conducted cost-cutting measures, such as mass layoffs.
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Will UAW Strikes Really Happen?
Breaking with the long-standing tradition of the "handshake ceremony" with the auto executives of the Big Three auto makers to open contract talks, United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain instead speaks with and does "members' handshakes" with Stellantis workers at the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant.
As of writing, UAW can't conduct the strikes. The American labor union still needs to wait for its contract with the three giant automakers to expire, which will happen on Sept. 14. However, analysts explained that the 97% votes don't mean major protests are 100% sure to happen.
They explained that the strike authorization empowers the union leadership to call for protests if they can't reach a deal with GM, Stellantis, and Ford. This tactic is also used by other labor unions whenever their contracts with companies are about to expire.
The three automakers said they are willing to reach deals with UAW so that strikes will no longer be conducted.
"The discussions between the company and the UAW's bargaining team continue to be constructive and collaborative," said Stellantis.
The carmaker added that the strike doesn't benefit their dealers, customers, the community, or employees. Meanwhile, Ford's management said they are looking forward to working with the labor group to achieve creative solutions as the industry faces dramatic changes.
GM also said it is bargaining with UAW in good faith to support its members, teams, customers, businesses, and the community.
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