Auto Negotiations Update: UAW president says union is heading toward strike unlike Detroit Three automakers have ever seen
UAW's Fain tells members that the union will strike all three Detroit automakers at once, but not all plants at first
In a lengthy Facebook Live update with 30,000 viewers on Wednesday evening (view here), United Auto Workers (UAW) President told viewers that, while the union and Detroit Three auto companies are finding some common ground, they remain far apart on key issues.
“The Big Three can afford to give us our fair share,” Fain said. “If they choose not to, then they are choosing to strike themselves.”
As Fain explained the differences, he shared slides (below) where the union and companies stand on several issues.
Explaining the union’s ‘righteous fight’ fight against ‘corporate greed,’ Fain used several biblical verses, explaining that the union would be striking all three companies, but not all at once.
The 'Stand Up Strike.’ Explaining to members that the UAW would be working under an expired contract, not an extended contract, Fain told members to stay ready to strike on short notice.
The union would not likely strike all the Detroit Three plants at once but, rather, would strike certain strategic plants first, then strike more plants over days or weeks, as negotiations necessitate.
“It is unlike anything we have ever done,” Fain explained to viewers.
Where the parties differ: According to Fain, including ending the tier system, wage increases, cost of living adjustments (COLA), profit sharing, temporary workers, job security, work-life balance, and retiree pay.
Watch the whole Facebook Live update here.
