Targeted UAW Strikes Could Happen—Here's What Could Trigger Protests

Targeted UAW strikes are likely to happen if the labor union will not be able to reach contract agreements by Thursday, Sept. 14.

United Auto Workers union confirmed this detail, saying that they discussed smaller-scale strikes during their recent meeting on Sept. 8.

UAW Leaders Now Consider Targeted Strikes

Targeted UAW Strikes Could Happen—Here's What Could Trigger These Protests

(Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images)
A Ford vehicle during the early phases of construction rides along the assembly line at the Torrence Avenue Ford Assembly Plant on June 22, 2007, in Chicago, Illinois. Ford builds the new Ford Taurus, Taurus X crossover vehicle, and the Mercury Sable at the plant.

According to the Associated Press, UAW leaders were informed on Tuesday, Sept. 12, about the labor rights group leadership's targeted strike strategy.

UAW President Shawn Fain updated workers who are members of the union in a Facebook Live video. The smaller-scale protests will reportedly take place at a small number of factories of Detroit's three automakers.

However, it is still unknown if their possible strikes will target assembly plants or components factories. The exact number of workers who will participate in the protests wasn't disclosed as well.

UAW's latest strike strategy could help it save its $825 million strike fund, allowing its budget to last.

If they do not follow their new plan, then they have to pay $500 per week to each participating member; the Union Auto Workers union is estimated to have over 140,000 members.

This will certainly dry their protest funds. As of press time, the labor union and all three automakers (Ford, Stellantis, and General Motors) are still exchanging offers.

However, they are still far apart on wages and benefits.

What Could Trigger UAW Strikes?

(Photo: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
United Auto Workers members walked off the job and picket at the Chrysler LLC world headquarters after the UAW and Chrysler LLC failed to reach a tentative contract agreement by 11 a.m. UAW strike-imposed deadline on October 10, 2007, in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

The main thing that can trigger UAW strikes is when the labor rights organization and automakers can't reach contract deals.

CNN Business reported that the United Auto Workers union demanded four things from Ford, Stellantis, and General Motors. If they can't meet these four demands, then there's a high chance that UAW will conduct their protests:

UAW wants automakers to return to traditional pension payment plans and give cost-of-living adjustments to their workers to help them during economic inflation.
The United Auto Workers group wants car manufacturers to provide more time off for workers, such as a four-day workweek scenario. The union is also seeking additional job protections, including the right to protest over plant closings.
UAW leaders demand an immediate 20% increase in their members' salaries. Aside from this, they also urge automakers to give four additional wage increases of 5% to each company.
UAW wants GM, Ford, and Stellantis to help their workers transition to jobs building EV batteries and other components.