The management of large enterprises of the American auto industry was unable to reach an agreement with the union workers auto industry (United Auto Workers) regarding the terms of new contracts for workers.
According to the AP, this was stated by the chairman of the industry union, Sean Fein.
Fein threatened to start a partial strike at General Motors, Ford and Stellantis plants as early as September 14. According to him, a strike awaits all three automakers.
Protest actions will begin with a partial suspension of work and will expand until employers and the union come to an agreement, or until the plants are completely shut down.
“The strike will begin with all employees maintaining a constant readiness to strike. There will not be a strike at all enterprises at the same time, but there will be a strike in all three companies in a limited number of locations. Then, depending on the negotiations, we will name those who will join the strike , so it will grow,” Fein said about the action plan.
Previously, he admitted that in recent years, the management of auto manufacturing companies had significantly underestimated workers’ earnings. He said auto companies made record profits but raised hourly wages only twice in four years, by 3%, well below inflation over that period.
Based on economic realities, the union demands an increase in workers’ salaries by 46%, while reducing working hours to 32 hours a week. Other demands of the union include improving working conditions and expanding pension rights for workers.
So far, it has not been possible to reach an agreement on the main trade union demands, but there is some progress.
“There’s progress, but we’re still a long way off on three key areas. We haven’t had a proposal put forward yet… We’ll probably have to take action to win. I want you to be willing to stand up to corporate greed,” Fein said.
If the strike begins, it will be the first at several enterprises simultaneously in the 80-year history of the union.
