Michiganders and those in the automotive world watch in awe as UAW members from Ford, Stellantis, and GM went on strike early on Friday, September 15th. This strike marks a historic occasion as the first time all three automobile manufacturers simultaneously negotiate their collective bargaining agreements. With the union asking for 40% pay increases, restoration of pension plans, a guaranteed 32-hour workweek, and a slew of other outrageous demands, the automakers continue to work to reach a resolution. As a result of the targeted strike which includes 13,000 UAW members from plants in Michigan, Ohio, and Missouri, the ripple effect of lack of production has caused Ford to lay off 600 workers and may lead to more lay-offs in the future. President Biden has sent the Labor Secretary and senior adviser to offer support in ending the strike as the long-term economic impact of a continued strike will be felt by all. With strike pay being offered at a mere $500 a week (up from $250 weekly during previous bargaining agreements) and inflations continuing impact on households, I wonder how long striking workers will be able to sustain the strike and hope that that UAW and automakers consider this as they work to reach an agreement.
O’Kane, Caitlin (2023, September 15) UAW president reacts to automakers' temporary layoffs of non-striking employees: 'Their plan won't work' ABC News https://abcnews.go.com/Business/uaw-president-reacts-temporary-layoffs-strike/story?id=103250841
The UAW Strike and the ripple effct felt by all. © 2023 by Laura Jackson is licensed underCC BY-ND 4.0
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