The United Automobile Workers (UAW) has revealed their plans to further their ongoing fight with Detroit’s Big Three auto makers — General Motors (GM), Ford, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) — with a series of strikes at additional locations.
The UAW, which is the most prominent union representing factory laborers in the US auto industry, announced that it would set up a total of six picket lines on July 20, including locations in Detroit, Flint, Lansing, and across Michigan. This news announced amid an ongoing struggle between Detroit’s Big Three and the union to negotiate a new four-year labor agreement.
The strike will directly impact auto production, as both GM and Ford will be forced to halt work at certain locations and bring workers out of the factories. The strike will not shut down all operations, however, since some locations will still continue production. The strike is being set up to send a clear message to Detroit’s Big Three, as the UAW hopes to gain leverage in future negotiations.
“We are taking this step because it is critically important that the UAW and the Big Three share the responsibility for the future of our industry,” said UAW President Gary Jones in a statement.
This isn’t the first time the union has taken labor action against the automakers, either. Last September, the UAW staged a two-day strike at GM, which resulted in an estimated $2 billion in lost profits. However, despite these difficulties, the UAW is hoping to use this latest strike to create a better working environment for its members.
“We are asking the companies to work with us to provide a standard of living, job security, and a long-term dream for the UAW members and for our communities,” said Jones.
This latest strike reveals the union’s commitment to negotiating better working conditions for all its members in the auto industry, and it is clear that they will not give up their fight until they have achieved their goals. The UAW is currently pushing for a four-year labor agreement, and while this latest action shows their resolve, it remains to be seen how Detroit’s Big Three will respond.
