The United Auto Workers (UAW) strike that commenced on September 15 has gained momentum and expanded in scope, marking the first significant labor action since the 2019 General Motors strike. Initially involving approximately 13,000 autoworkers at Big Three assembly plants in Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio, the strike has since spread to include an additional 5,600 workers across 38 GM and Stellantis-owned parts distribution centers in 20 states.
The strikes have now expanded to a Ford plant in Chicago as well as a General Motors plant in Lansing, Michigan. As with any labor movement, the demands of the union are key to productive negotiations. In this article, we’ll discuss the key demands of the UAW strike as well as maintain regular updates on the ongoing negotiations.
In this Article:
- Why Have the UAW Strikes Continued?
- Key Demands in UAW Strike
- Updates on UAW Strike
– October 2023 - How an Attorney Can Help During and After Union Strike
Why Have the UAW Strikes Continued?
Fain noted that while negotiations with the automakers were ongoing, the lack of meaningful progress at the bargaining table had prompted these extended strikes. With this expansion, the strike now encompasses a total of 25,000 autoworkers, constituting approximately 17% of the UAW’s overall membership of around 146,000 individuals.
The Chicago Ford plant produces vehicles such as the Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave, while the Lansing facility manufactures the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator. Importantly, the UAW has spared additional strikes at Stellantis, reporting progress in negotiations with the parent companies of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, particularly in areas like cost-of-living adjustments and workers’ rights to strike.
Key Demands in UAW Strike
Average wages have declined by 19.3% since 2008, adjusting for inflation. It’s not surprising that the UAW is now fighting for substantial changes to benefit its members more equitably. Against the backdrop of record CEO compensation in the automotive industry, the autoworkers’ demands reflect their commitment to securing a fair share of the profits they help generate.
- A 36% pay increase over a four-year contract
- Annual cost-of-living adjustments
- Pension benefits for all employees
- Enhanced job security
- Limitations on the utilization of temporary workers
- Institution of a four-day workweek.
Among these demands, a key focus is the elimination of the two-tiered wage system that was introduced at these companies following the 2008 financial crisis. Autoworkers hired after 2007 currently start at lower pay rates than their longer-tenured counterparts. The UAW views this as a form of wage inequality.
Updates on UAW Strike
Updates on the ongoing UAW strike.
October 2023 Update
October 9th, 2023 — About 3,900 UAW workers at Mack Truck, an automaker owned by Volvo Group, walked out on Monday joining other ongoing UAW strikes. The decision comes after 73% of the union’s members at Mack Truck voted against a tentative agreement that offered a 19% wage increase over five years; $3,500 ratification bonuses; and increased 401(k) company payments. The demands of the union members at the Detroit-based automaker include:
- 40% pay increase
- Inflation protection from cost-of-living allowances (COLA)
- Work/life balance
- Additional bonuses and benefits
October 6th, 2023 — Expansion of the strike to GM’s large Arlington Assembly plant was averted when the automaker agreed to include workers at their electric vehicle battery plant in the UAW national agreement. This decision was in the best interest of GM, seeing that the strike has cost the company $200 million in lost production in the third quarter alone.
Over the life of the four-and-a-half-year contract, Ford has offered a 23% raise while Stellantis and GM have only offered around 20%. A cost-of-living adjustment has been reinstated by Ford and Stellantis, which was lost more than a decade ago.
How an Attorney Can Help During and After Union Strike
Labor union negotiations are not an easy or simple endeavor. Union leaders often require the assistance of a skilled employment and labor union attorney to help navigate the red tape. The laws around labor unions can vary across states, so finding a lawyer who is in the same state as the ongoing strike can be vital.
But what about after contract negotiations have been completed and a deal has been signed? Now comes the enforcement of the agreement. It is invaluable for union members to know their rights under te law. Union members who feel their contract is not being honored or that there have been delays in the fulfillment of the agreement should contact an attorney right away. At Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, we know labor laws in Illinois backward and forward, and we have the skills to support and protect the rights of union workers in every way.
For a FREE consultation, call (312) 600-6000 and find out why so many say… Larry wins!
