Sanders to Join UAW Workers at Rally in Detroit as Strike Continues

Members of the United Auto Workers, the union's leader, and Senator Bernie Sanders intend to show their support during a protest in Downtown Detroit.

The start time of this rally is 5 p.m. Friday at the UAW-Ford National Programs Center, a short distance from the location of the concurrent North American International Auto Show Charity Preview, according to Fox 2.

The First Time Union Goes on Strike Against the Big 3 Automakers

After the contracts with General Motors, Stellantis, and Ford expired, UAW workers went on strike at midnight on Friday. This is the first time the union has ever gone on strike simultaneously against the Big Three automakers.

But this strike is a little unique. Only three factories-the Stellantis Toledo Assembly Complex in Ohio, the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, and the GM Wentzville Assembly Plant in Missouri-have UAW workers on strike.

Shawn Fain, the union president, warned that if negotiations drag on, additional employees may be asked to go on strike.

As a result, other union employees are currently working without a contract.

United Auto Workers Hold Limited Strikes As Contract Negotiations Expire

(Photo: by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
WAYNE, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 15: Supporters and workers cheer as United Auto Workers members go on strike at the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant on September 15, 2023, in Wayne, Michigan. Contract negotiations with the Big Three automakers Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis expired at 11:59 pm September 14.

General Motors and Stellantis both expressed their dissatisfaction with the union leadership in remarks they made on Thursday night and early Friday.

Automakers and the UAW have been negotiating new contracts; the UAW claims the proposals thus far are insufficient.

The union had originally demanded a number of things, including a 46 percent wage increase, a 32-hour workweek with 40 hours of compensation, the elimination of the tier system, and the restoration of traditional pensions for new recruits. The union asserted that it is currently ready to accept a pay hike percentage in the mid-30s.

Backers of UAW

Senator Bernie Sanders has been an outspoken backer of the UAW as it fights for improvements at the bargaining table, including a shorter work week, the restoration of pensions, double-digit salary increases, the removal of a tier system under which newer workers receive lesser salaries and benefits, and more, as reported by The Detroit News.

Leaders of the UAW and Sanders have portrayed the union's demands as being part of a larger effort to enhance working conditions and the standard of living for the working class.

In the meantime, U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell, a Democrat from Ann Arbor, announced on social media on Thursday that a UAW-sponsored picket line will not be present at the Charity Preview on Friday night.

The Charity Preview, a $400 per person black-tie banquet that closes up the media and industry days and occurs shortly before the commencement of the public portion of the show, is a staple of the Detroit auto show. The occasion benefits children's charities and is frequently attended by executives and insiders from the auto industry. The event will start at 5 p.m. at Huntington Place, indicating that the UAW's event will occur concurrently somewhere else in downtown.