2023 United Auto Workers strike
{{Short description|US automaker labor dispute}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2023}}
{{Infobox civil conflict
| title = 2023 United Auto Workers strike
| image = United Auto Workers Strike 2023.jpg
| caption = Striking workers listening to a speech by US President Joe Biden in Michigan in September 2023
| place = United States
- Michigan Assembly Plant, Wayne, Michigan
- Toledo Complex, Toledo, Ohio
- Wentzville Assembly, Wentzville, Missouri
| side1 = United Auto Workers
| side2 = Ford Motor Company
General Motors
Stellantis
| howmany1 = 49,800 strikers
| date = {{Start and end dates|2023|09|15|2023|10|30}}
({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|2023|09|15|2023|10|30}})
| causes = Disagreements over the terms of a new labor contract
| goals = * Increased wages over four years to offset inflation
- End to the tiered employment system
- Improved overtime and retirement benefits
- Improved worker protections against plant closures{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/09/14/uaw-strike-demands-negotiations/ |title=What are the UAW strike demands? Here are the issues amid negotiations |date=September 14, 2023 |last=Whalen |first=Jeanne |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 14, 2023 |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915162339/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/09/14/uaw-strike-demands-negotiations/ |url-status=live }}
- 32-hour work week{{Cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/detroit-three-strike-deadline-nears-sides-remain-far-apart-2023-09-14/ |title=UAW nears strike at Detroit Three as Ford blasts union |date=September 14, 2023 |last=Shepardson |first=David |agency=Reuters |access-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-date=September 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914223425/https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/detroit-three-strike-deadline-nears-sides-remain-far-apart-2023-09-14/ |url-status=live }}
| methods = {{hlist | Picketing | strike action | rolling strike | walkout}}
| result =
- Increased wages and return of cost of living adjustments
- End to two tiered employment system
- Improved overtime and retirement benefits
- Written contract right to strike over plant closures
| sidebox = {{Campaignbox US manufacturing strikes}}
}}
The 2023 United Auto Workers strike was a labor strike involving automobile workers in the labor union United Auto Workers (UAW) and the three unionized automakers in the United States—Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Stellantis. These three automakers' factories combined employ about 145,000 UAW members and produce about 50 percent of the vehicles manufactured annually in the US, accounting for 1.5 percent of US GDP.{{cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/09/15/uaw-strike-average-workers-wages/ | title=How much do UAW workers make? What to know about today's strikes. | last=Whalen | first=Jeanne | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=2023-09-15 | quote=The stoppage threatens to destabilize an industry that makes up about 3 percent of the nation's gross domestic product. | access-date=September 21, 2023 | archive-date=September 15, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915172942/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/09/15/uaw-strike-average-workers-wages/ | url-status=live }} The strike began on September 15, 2023, when the union was unable to reach a deal with the three automakers. It was the first trilateral strike against the three automakers in the union's history.
The hardline stance taken by the newly elected UAW president Shawn Fain contributed to the UAW's decision to strike. In particular, he has criticized stagnant wages that do not account for inflation and has called for the end of a tiered employment system that underpays newer employees, the restoration of overtime and retirement benefits that were lost due to the 2008 financial crisis, the institution of a four-day workweek, and improved worker protections against plant closures as electric vehicle production increases.
A central concern for the automakers is the cost of labor relative to domestic and foreign non-union competitors, particularly as the industry transitions to electric vehicle manufacturing.{{Cite news |last=Higgins |first=Tim |date=2023-09-16 |title=Whatever the UAW Strike Outcome, Elon Musk Has Already Won |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/uaw-strike-tesla-labor-costs-baf8b897 |url-status=live |access-date=2023-09-19 |archive-date=September 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918160055/https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/uaw-strike-tesla-labor-costs-baf8b897 }} The automakers have stated that they anticipate the need to invest a significant portion of their profits from gasoline-powered vehicles into new production technology for electric vehicles.
The strike was suspended in the last week of October as the automakers made tentative deals that largely matched the UAW demands, starting with Ford on October 25, followed by Stellantis on October 28 and finally General Motors on October 30.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-25 |title=UAW Reaches Tentative Agreement on Record Contract with Ford Motor Company |url=https://uaw.org/uaw-reaches-tentative-agreement-record-contract-ford-motor-company/ |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=UAW |language=en-US |archive-date=November 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106023820/https://uaw.org/uaw-reaches-tentative-agreement-record-contract-ford-motor-company/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-10-28 |title=UAW Reaches a Tentative Agreement with Stellantis |url=https://uaw.org/uaw-reaches-tentative-agreement-stellantis/ |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=UAW |language=en-US |archive-date=November 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106023822/https://uaw.org/uaw-reaches-tentative-agreement-stellantis/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-10-30 |title=UAW Reaches a Tentative Agreement with General Motors, Bringing Ultium Cells Workers Into Master Agreement |url=https://uaw.org/uaw-reaches-tentative-agreement-general-motors-bringing-ultium-cells-workers-master-agreement/ |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=UAW |language=en-US |archive-date=November 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106023820/https://uaw.org/uaw-reaches-tentative-agreement-general-motors-bringing-ultium-cells-workers-master-agreement/ |url-status=live }} In announcing the deals with the automakers, UAW instructed workers to return to the job, thus ending the 46-day labor strike on October 30.{{Cite news |date=2023-10-31 |title=UAW reaches deal with GM, ends coordinated strikes against Detroit automakers |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uaw-reaches-deal-with-gm-ends-coordinated-strikes-against-detroit-automakers-2023-10-30/ |access-date=2023-11-06 |archive-date=November 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106023818/https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uaw-reaches-deal-with-gm-ends-coordinated-strikes-against-detroit-automakers-2023-10-30/ |url-status=live }} The new contracts would be ratified when individual UAW membership voting with all three companies ended November 16–17, 2023.{{cite news|url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/general-motors/2023/11/16/gm-uaw-ratify-contract-vote-general-motors/71605611007/|title=GM UAW members ratify contract after 54.7% approval in vote|first=Jamie L.|last=LaReau|publisher=Detroit Free Press|date=2023-11-16|accessdate=2023-11-18|archive-date=November 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118162551/https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/general-motors/2023/11/16/gm-uaw-ratify-contract-vote-general-motors/71605611007/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/chrysler/2023/11/17/stellantis-uaw-tentative-agreement-ratification/71617800007/|title=Stellantis-UAW deal has enough votes to ratify|first1=Breana|last1=Noble|first2=Kalea|last2=Hall|first3=Hayley|last3=Harding|publisher=Detroit Free Press|date=2023-11-17|access-date=November 18, 2023|archive-date=November 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118170945/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/chrysler/2023/11/17/stellantis-uaw-tentative-agreement-ratification/71617800007/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/ford/2023/11/17/ford-workers-ratify-2023-uaw-contract-with-69-3-support/71616990007/|title=Ford workers ratify historic 2023 UAW contract with 69.3% support for wage hikes, benefits|first=Phoebe|last=Hall|publisher=Detroit Free Press|date=2023-11-17|accessdate=2023-11-17|archive-date=November 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118112220/https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/ford/2023/11/17/ford-workers-ratify-2023-uaw-contract-with-69-3-support/71616990007/|url-status=live}}
Background
=United Auto Workers=
{{Main|United Auto Workers}}
The labor union United Auto Workers (UAW) represents approximately 145,000 automobile workers employed at Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Stellantis.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/11/business/auto-workers-strike-fain-tapper/index.html |title=UAW president says auto strike would hurt mostly 'billionaire class' |date=September 11, 2023 |last=Isidore |first=Chris |publisher=CNN |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=September 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230912215815/https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/11/business/auto-workers-strike-fain-tapper/index.html |url-status=live }} To achieve its goals, UAW has engaged in strike action; from November 1945 to March 1946, UAW went on strike against General Motors. The 1945—1946 strike established a strategy, forged by then-UAW president Walter Reuther, to target efforts on a single company. Since the 1950s, UAW has faced declining union membership and a growing service sector, reducing the economic impact that a strike could have.{{Cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2023-09-13/column-why-an-auto-workers-strike-should-have-your-support |title=Why an auto workers strike should have your support |date=September 13, 2023 |last=Hiltzik |first=Michael |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=September 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914035955/https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2023-09-13/column-why-an-auto-workers-strike-should-have-your-support |url-status=live }} In 2019, UAW autoworkers went on strike against General Motors. The 40-day work stoppage cost General Motors {{USD|3.6}} billion and caused a single-quarter recession in Michigan.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/what-know-uaw-strike-auto-companies-ford-general-motors-rcna103725 |title=Potential UAW strike: Where labor talks stand and what's at stake |date=September 8, 2023 |last=Cheung |first=Brian |publisher=NBC News |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=September 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230912213049/https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/what-know-uaw-strike-auto-companies-ford-general-motors-rcna103725 |url-status=live }}
=Contract negotiations=
In March 2023, newly elected UAW president Shawn Fain stated that workers were "fed up with the status quo" and assured that he would negotiate for changes to workers' contracts. Fain called for cost of living adjustments to account for inflation ahead of the current contracts expiring on September 14 and asked for wage increases lost in the 2008 financial crisis.{{Cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-auto-union-leader-promises-fight-get-workers-fair-share-2023-03-27/ |title=New UAW leader tells automakers: 'Our membership is fed up' |date=March 27, 2023 |last1=White |first1=Joseph |last2=Shepardson |first2=David |publisher=Reuters |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=August 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822032911/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-auto-union-leader-promises-fight-get-workers-fair-share-2023-03-27/ |url-status=live }} Members have expressed interest in both ending a two-tier wage system in which newer employees are paid significantly less than older employees, and domestic plant construction.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/27/business/united-auto-workers-shawn-fain.html |title=United Auto Workers Usher In New Era of Leadership |date=March 27, 2023 |last=Boudette |first=Neal |work=The New York Times |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=September 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230912224237/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/27/business/united-auto-workers-shawn-fain.html |url-status=live }} Fain continued his sentiments at the Automotive Press Association in April, expressing disappointment in the idling of the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois.{{Cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/uaw-shawn-fain-president-strike-detroit-159a2745faf1f88e330c2ae94408dfa3 |title=New UAW leader already has issues with Detroit automakers |date=April 21, 2023 |last=Krisher |first=Tom |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=July 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731052931/https://apnews.com/article/uaw-shawn-fain-president-strike-detroit-159a2745faf1f88e330c2ae94408dfa3 |url-status=live }} Additionally, he lambasted wage decreases that workers at joint venture battery factories face compared to workers at older factories.{{Cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uaw-president-no-excuse-detroits-non-union-ev-operations-2023-04-21/ |title=UAW President: 'No excuse' for Detroit's non-union EV operations |date=April 21, 2023 |last=White |first=Joseph |publisher=Reuters |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=September 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901085145/https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uaw-president-no-excuse-detroits-non-union-ev-operations-2023-04-21/ |url-status=live }}
By May 2023, the potential for a strike loomed over contract talks.{{Cite web |url=https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/05/25/strike-looms-uaw-contract-talks-near-detroit |title=Potential for strike looms over upcoming UAW contract talks |date=May 25, 2023 |last=Guillen |first=Joe |work=Axios |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=July 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718130624/https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/05/25/strike-looms-uaw-contract-talks-near-detroit |url-status=live }} In an online appearance in June, Fain repeated his goals and criticized automobile manufacturers for increasing their profits without increasing wages.{{Cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/uaw-ford-gm-stellantis-labor-strike-eda3b48bfdfa04e0e7254ce7681972e0 |title=New UAW President Shawn Fain issues strongest warning yet about strikes against 3 Detroit automakers |date=June 16, 2023 |last=Krisher |first=Tom |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907153811/https://apnews.com/article/uaw-ford-gm-stellantis-labor-strike-eda3b48bfdfa04e0e7254ce7681972e0 |url-status=live }} Fain continued to leave strike action as a possible option leading up to contract negotiations.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/12/cars/uaw-head-strike-big-three/index.html |title=UAW head says it's prepared to strike against Big Three automakers as negotiations start Thursday |date=July 12, 2023 |last1=Yurkevich |first1=Vanessa |last2=Egan |first2=Matt |publisher=CNN |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=September 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230917043927/https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/12/cars/uaw-head-strike-big-three/index.html |url-status=live }} Contract negotiations began on July 14.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/14/business/uaw-contract-talks.html |title=Autoworkers Open Contract Talks in a Fighting Mood |date=July 14, 2023 |last=Boudette |first=Neal |work=The New York Times |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=September 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904135556/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/14/business/uaw-contract-talks.html |url-status=live }} Throughout negotiations, Fain has updated members online, including throwing one automaker's proposal in the trash on camera.{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/08/18/united-auto-workers-strike-vote-deadline/ |title=The tough-talking union leader guiding autoworkers to the brink of a strike |date=August 18, 2023 |last1=Whalen |first1=Jeanne |last2=Kaori Gurley |first2=Lauren |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 13, 2023}} On August 15, Fain announced a strike vote;{{Cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2023/08/15/uaw-strike-vote-announced-negotiations-continue/70598635007/ |title=UAW strike vote announced, authorization expected amidst tense negotiations |date=August 15, 2023 |last=Lawrence |first=Eric |work=USA Today |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=August 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230825041441/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2023/08/15/uaw-strike-vote-announced-negotiations-continue/70598635007/ |url-status=live }} it overwhelmingly passed on August 27 with 97 percent voting in favor.{{Cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uaw-members-authorize-strike-detroit-three-automakers-2023-08-25/ |title=UAW votes overwhelmingly to authorize strike at Detroit Three automakers |date=August 27, 2023 |last1=White |first1=Joseph |last2=Shepardson |first2=David |last3=Tiwary |first3=Shivansh |publisher=Reuters |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907162215/https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uaw-members-authorize-strike-detroit-three-automakers-2023-08-25/ |url-status=live }} UAW has asked for an immediate 20 percent raise and yearly gradual increases totaling an hourly pay increase of 46 percent, the restoration of traditional pension payment plans and retiree health care, a four-day workweek, job protections, and a beneficial transition to electric vehicles.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/11/business/automakers-strike-negotiations-uaw/index.html |title=The 4 key reasons why the UAW could strike GM, Ford and Stellantis this week |date=September 11, 2023 |last=Isidore |first=Chris |publisher=CNN |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=September 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230912224924/https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/11/business/automakers-strike-negotiations-uaw/index.html |url-status=live }} Fain has acknowledged the UAW demands are audacious but argues they are justified, pushing for the reversal of post-2007 wage cuts.{{cite web |last1=Krisher |first1=Tom |title=Here's why the UAW is striking for a 32-hour week with 40 hours of pay |url=https://fortune.com/2023/09/15/why-uaw-on-strike-detroit-big-3-automakers-ford-gm-stellantis/ |website=Fortune.com |agency=Associated Press |access-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915225753/https://fortune.com/2023/09/15/why-uaw-on-strike-detroit-big-3-automakers-ford-gm-stellantis/ |url-status=live }}
==Course of the strike==
On September 14, Fain declared that the UAW would simultaneously strike against Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Stellantis for the first time in the union's history. The initial strike was focused on the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, owned by Ford Motor Company; the Toledo Complex in Toledo, Ohio, owned by Stellantis; and Wentzville Assembly in Wentzville, Missouri, owned by General Motors.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/14/business/uaw-strike-plan.html |title=U.A.W. Goes on Strike Against Detroit's Big 3 Automakers |date=September 14, 2023 |last=Boudette |first=Neal |work=The New York Times |access-date=September 14, 2023 |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915024223/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/14/business/uaw-strike-plan.html |url-status=live }} Approximately 13,000 workers are going on strike as of September. The initially limited scope is intended by the union to stretch the strike fund.{{Cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/auto-uaw-workers-strike-gm-ford-stellantis-7ce3ca9d94b911250d07556b7af376c7 |title=About 13,000 workers go on strike seeking better wages and benefits from Detroit's three automakers |date=September 14, 2023 |last1=Krisher |first1=Tom |last2=Williams |first2=Corey |last3=Householder |first3=Mike |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915064830/https://apnews.com/article/auto-uaw-workers-strike-gm-ford-stellantis-7ce3ca9d94b911250d07556b7af376c7 |url-status=live }} The three plants were chosen for their profitability.{{Cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/uaws-strike-strategy-start-small-and-keep-em-guessing-5facd690 |title=UAW's Strike Strategy: Start Small and Keep 'Em Guessing |date=September 16, 2023 |last1=Eckert |first1=Nora |last2=Felton |first2=Ryan |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=September 16, 2023 |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915225836/https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/uaws-strike-strategy-start-small-and-keep-em-guessing-5facd690 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.axios.com/2023/07/25/gm-third-quarter-earnings-uaw-strike |title=GM says profits are booming, but UAW strike could reverse the tide |date=July 25, 2023 |last=Borney |first=Nathan |work=Axios |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=August 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816112758/https://www.axios.com/2023/07/25/gm-third-quarter-earnings-uaw-strike |url-status=live }}
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|File:General motors net income.webp net income and |File:Ford Motors net income.webp net income and |File:Stellantis net income.webp net income 2014 - 2020 and |
On September 22, strikes expanded with 5,600 workers walking out of 38 part-distribution plants operated by Stellantis and GM.{{Cite web |title=UAW expands auto strike to GM and Stellantis parts distribution centers across country |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2023/09/22/uaw-president-shawn-fain-announce-new-strike-targets/70923680007/ |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US |archive-date=September 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923071723/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2023/09/22/uaw-president-shawn-fain-announce-new-strike-targets/70923680007/ |url-status=live }} The strike did not include any Ford operated facilities, with Fain stating: "We've made some real progress at Ford. We ... want to recognize that Ford is showing that they are serious about reaching a deal. At GM and Stellantis, it's a different story."{{Cite web |date=2023-09-22 |title=Auto workers expand their strike to 38 locations in 20 states. Biden plans visit to show support |url=https://apnews.com/article/uaw-ford-stellantis-general-motors-strike-labor-4132aa222c9a4456415af480d6fafa98 |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=AP News |first=David |last=Koenig |language=en |archive-date=September 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923051847/https://apnews.com/article/uaw-ford-stellantis-general-motors-strike-labor-4132aa222c9a4456415af480d6fafa98 |url-status=live }} Fain also invited President Biden to show solidarity saying, "We invite and encourage everyone who supports our cause to join us on the picket line from our friends and families all the way up to the President of the United States."{{Cite web |last=Chao-Fong |first=Léonie |title=UAW president invites Joe Biden to join picket line as General Motors and Stellantis face new strikes - live |website=MSN |url=https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/uaw-president-invites-joe-biden-to-join-picket-line-as-general-motors-and-stellantis-face-new-strikes-live/ar-AA1h6Gd2#image=1}} Hours later, Biden announced his intent to visit Michigan on the 26th, "to join the picket line and stand in solidarity with the men and women of UAW as they fight for a fair share of the value they helped create".{{Cite web |last1=Wilkie |first1=Christina |last2=Kimball |first2=Spencer |date=2023-09-22 |title=Biden will travel to Michigan to 'join the picket line' with UAW workers on strike |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/22/biden-to-travel-to-michigan-to-support-uaw-strikes.html |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=September 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923050357/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/22/biden-to-travel-to-michigan-to-support-uaw-strikes.html |url-status=live }} The strike was expanded further to 7,000 additional workers on September 29: 4,600 at Ford's Chicago Assembly and 2,300 at GM's Lansing Delta Township Assembly.{{cite news |last1=Moreno |first1=J. Edward |last2=Boudette |first2=Neal E. |title=U.A.W. Expands Strikes at Automakers: Here's What to Know. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/uaw-strike-explained-ford-stellantis-gm.html |access-date=1 October 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=29 September 2023 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930085940/https://www.nytimes.com/article/uaw-strike-explained-ford-stellantis-gm.html |url-status=live }}
On October 11, an additional 8,700 UAW workers at Ford's Kentucky Truck Assembly walked off and joined the strike.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-11 |title=UAW calls for strike at Ford Kentucky Truck Plant - CBS Detroit |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/uaw-calls-for-strike-at-ford-kentucky-truck-plant/ |access-date=2023-10-11 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US |archive-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012093440/https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/uaw-calls-for-strike-at-ford-kentucky-truck-plant/ |url-status=live }}
On October 23, 6,800 additional workers walked out at Stellantis's Sterling Heights Assembly, with the UAW considering Stellantis's recent proposal the worst of the three automakers.{{Cite news |last1=Shepardson |first1=David |last2=White |first2=Joseph |last3=White |first3=Joseph |date=2023-10-23 |title=UAW expands strike against Stellantis, hitting pickup truck plant |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uaw-expands-strike-against-stellantis-hitting-pickup-truck-plant-2023-10-23/ |access-date=2023-10-23 |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023235100/https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/uaw-expands-strike-against-stellantis-hitting-pickup-truck-plant-2023-10-23/ |url-status=live }} The next day, on October 24, roughly 5,000 workers at GM's Arlington Assembly joined the strike.{{Cite web |last=LaReau |first=Jamie L. |date=2023-10-24 |title=UAW expands strike to profitable GM Arlington Assembly plant in Texas |url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/general-motors/2023/10/24/uaw-strike-gm-arlington-assembly-plant-texas/71299127007/ |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=Detroit Free Press |publisher=Gannett |language=en-US |archive-date=October 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024180833/https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/general-motors/2023/10/24/uaw-strike-gm-arlington-assembly-plant-texas/71299127007/ |url-status=live }}
= Agreements and end to the strike =
On October 25, a tentative agreement was reached between the UAW and Ford; it includes an 11% wage increase in the first year, and total 25% increase in wages over the 4.5 year contract, a $5,000 ratification bonus and a cost-of-living adjustment. When including cost-of-living adjustments, total pay could be raised by 30%. As part of the agreement, all striking Ford workers will return to the job while the contracts are ratified.{{Cite web |date=October 25, 2023 |title=Record profits mean record contracts. We have a tentative agreement at Ford. #StandUpUAW |url=https://twitter.com/UAW/status/1717337144572662025 |access-date=October 25, 2023 |website=X (formerly Twitter) |language=en |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026010213/https://twitter.com/uaw/status/1717337144572662025 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Ford reaches tentative agreement with the UAW after 41 days on strike, sources say |url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/ford/2023/10/25/uaw-strike-ford-reaches-tentative-deal-with-union-sources-say/71318908007/ |access-date=2023-10-26 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026003456/https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/ford/2023/10/25/uaw-strike-ford-reaches-tentative-deal-with-union-sources-say/71318908007/ |url-status=live }} Three days later, on October 28, the UAW announced a similar tentative deal with Stellantis;{{Cite web |date=2023-10-28 |title=UAW expected to announce tentative agreement with Stellantis to end labor strike |url=https://news.yahoo.com/uaw-expected-announce-tentative-agreement-210808382.html |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=Yahoo News |language=en-US |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029060006/https://news.yahoo.com/uaw-expected-announce-tentative-agreement-210808382.html |url-status=live }} the same day, 4,000 workers at GM's Spring Hill Manufacturing subsequently joined the strike,{{Cite web |title=Spring Hill UAW Local 1853 announces strike against GM |url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2023/10/28/spring-hill-tennessee-gm-plant-on-strike/71366669007/ |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=The Tennessean |language=en-US}} despite late-night talks on October 27, at which Fain and General Motors CEO Mary Barra were reportedly present.{{Cite web |title=GM, UAW negotiated until 5 a.m. with Mary Barra and Shawn Fain at the table |url=https://www.autoblog.com/2023/10/27/gm-uaw-negotiated-until-5-a-m-with-mary-barra-and-shawn-fain-at-the-table/ |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=Autoblog |language=en |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029175027/https://www.autoblog.com/2023/10/27/gm-uaw-negotiated-until-5-a-m-with-mary-barra-and-shawn-fain-at-the-table/ |url-status=live }} On October 30, the UAW announced a deal with General Motors, leading to a suspension of the strike and a return of all striking workers back to the job.{{Cite web|url=https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/gm-reaches-tentative-deal-uaw-131907014.html|title=UAW reaches deal with GM, ending strike against Detroit automakers|date=October 30, 2023|website=Yahoo Finance|access-date=October 30, 2023|archive-date=October 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030135811/https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/gm-reaches-tentative-deal-uaw-131907014.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/uaw-strike-gm-spring-hill-tennessee-contract-64c756ec121d7f39205fdea396d21bc0|title=UAW escalates strike against lone holdout GM after landing tentative pacts with Stellantis and Ford|website=AP News|date=October 29, 2023 |access-date=October 30, 2023|archive-date=October 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030185639/https://apnews.com/article/uaw-strike-gm-spring-hill-tennessee-contract-64c756ec121d7f39205fdea396d21bc0|url-status=live}}
{{External media and documents|title=TA Highlights:|width=130px|document1=[https://uaw.org/ford2023/ Ford]|document2=[https://uaw.org/GM2023/ General Motors]|document3=[https://uaw.org/Stellantis2023/ Stellantis]}}
All three contracts also eliminated the two-tier system of wages, wherein some workers were classified as "temporary workers" and paid less. For example, at Ford a temporary worker who previously made $16.67 an hour will now be classified as permanent, and make a minimum of $24.91 an hour. Those who are employed in or before 2023 will earn $40.82 an hour by the end of the contract if they remain, due to reaching full seniority by years.{{Cite news |last=Bhattarai |first=Abha |date=2023-10-31 |title='A tipping point' in equal pay: Automakers are scrapping tiered wages |language=en-US |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/10/31/tier-pay-ford-gm-stellantis-ups-unions/ |access-date=2023-11-01 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=November 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101225406/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/10/31/tier-pay-ford-gm-stellantis-ups-unions/ |url-status=live }} All three contracts are subject to ratification by the union's members; the first vote occurred at Local 900, the first plant to go on strike, with 82% of members voting in favor of the agreement.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-02 |title=UAW members at the first Ford plant to go on strike overwhelmingly approve the new contract |url=https://apnews.com/article/ford-plant-approves-tentative-contract-agreement-uaw-strike-12e62184b7c321b502ca268ae30f7901 |access-date=2023-11-06 |website=AP News |language=en |archive-date=November 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106023818/https://apnews.com/article/ford-plant-approves-tentative-contract-agreement-uaw-strike-12e62184b7c321b502ca268ae30f7901 |url-status=live }} While UAW members would vote to ratify contracts with Stellantis and Ford by over 69%, General Motors saw a significantly smaller majority, with only just over 54% UAW voters agreeing to ratify their contract.{{cite news|url=https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/uaw-members-ok-stellantis-contract-ford-deal-nearly-ratified|title=3 UAW deals ratified, but GM vote tight|first=Michael|last=Martinez|publisher=Auto News|date=2023-11-17|accessdate=2023-11-18|archive-date=November 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118112048/https://www.autonews.com/manufacturing/uaw-members-ok-stellantis-contract-ford-deal-nearly-ratified|url-status=live}}
Transition to electric vehicles and claims of competitiveness
Automakers claim that they need to transition to building electric vehicles to meet government regulations and to remain competitive, and that this transition will require re-investing billions of dollars of their profits.{{Cite news |last=Eckert |first=Nora |date=2022-01-25 |title=GM Plans Multibillion-Dollar EV Push With Michigan Plants |language=en-US |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/gm-pumps-more-money-into-evs-picks-michigan-for-big-investment-11643126418 |access-date=2023-09-18 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=November 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221101184108/https://www.wsj.com/articles/gm-pumps-more-money-into-evs-picks-michigan-for-big-investment-11643126418 |url-status=live }} Ford stated that for 2023 it would lose $4.5 billion in its electric vehicle (EV) business.{{Cite news |last=Ewing |first=Jack |date=2023-09-16 |title=Battle Over Electric Vehicles Is Central to Auto Strike |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/16/business/electric-vehicles-uaw-gm-ford-stellantis.html |access-date=2023-09-18 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=September 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919042825/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/16/business/electric-vehicles-uaw-gm-ford-stellantis.html |url-status=live | quote=But the talks are about more than pay. Workers are trying to defend jobs as manufacturing shifts from internal combustion engines to batteries. Because they have fewer parts, electric cars can be made with fewer workers than gasoline vehicles. ... Under pressure from government officials and changing consumer demand, Ford, G.M. and Stellantis are investing billions to retool their sprawling operations to build electric vehicles, which are critical to addressing climate change. But they are making little if any profit on those vehicles while Tesla, which dominates electric car sales, is profitable and growing fast. }}
Foreign, legacy manufacturers and domestic manufacturers which produce only electric vehicles, such as Lucid, Rivian, and Tesla produce their vehicles with non-union workforce. Labor costs for EV-only Tesla are $45/hour. The second largest automaker, Toyota, has a labor cost of $55/hour.{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/uaw-strikes-gm-ford-stellantis-plants-69b04c95 | title=UAW Goes on Strike Against GM, Ford and Stellantis | last1=Eckert | first1=Nora | last2=Felton | first2=Ryan | newspaper=The Wall Street Journal | date=2023-09-15 | quote=Economists are weighing the fallout from a potential labor disruption at GM, Ford and Stellantis, which combined produce about half of the roughly 15 million vehicles made in the U.S. annually. | access-date=September 18, 2023 | archive-date=September 18, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918150136/https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/uaw-strikes-gm-ford-stellantis-plants-69b04c95 | url-status=live }} The current UAW labor costs are $65/hour.{{Cite web |last1=Eckert |first1=Nora |last2=Felton |first2=Ryan |title=UAW Threatens to Widen Strike as Talks Resume in Detroit |url=https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/talks-set-to-resume-in-detroit-amid-threat-of-expanding-strikes-4bfe15eb |date=September 19, 2023 |access-date=September 20, 2023 |work=The Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |archive-date=September 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920044917/https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/talks-set-to-resume-in-detroit-amid-threat-of-expanding-strikes-4bfe15eb |url-status=live }} Wells Fargo estimates that the proposed contract by the UAW would raise the average labor cost to $136/hour.{{Cite web |last=Higgins |first=Tim |title=Whatever the UAW Strike Outcome, Elon Musk Has Already Won |url=https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/uaw-strike-tesla-labor-costs-baf8b897 |access-date=2023-09-18 |website=WSJ |language=en-US |archive-date=September 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918160055/https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/uaw-strike-tesla-labor-costs-baf8b897 |url-status=live }} Ford, GM, and Stellantis claim that the proposed UAW contract would prevent them from being competitive in the transition to EVs and competing against foreign automakers.{{Cite web |first1=Nora |last1=Eckert |first2=Ryan |last2=Felton |date=2023-09-15 |title=UAW Goes on Strike Against GM, Ford and Stellantis |url=https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/uaw-strikes-gm-ford-stellantis-plants-69b04c95 |access-date=2023-09-18 |work=The Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |archive-date=September 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918150136/https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/uaw-strikes-gm-ford-stellantis-plants-69b04c95 |url-status=live }}
In 2022, president Joe Biden's administration passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which included federal funding and tax incentives for domestic EV manufacturing. Ronald Brownstein of The Atlantic reported that union officials "worry that the companies are using the shift ... to simultaneously shift more of their operations from high-paying union jobs mostly in northern states to lower-paying, nonunion jobs mostly in southern states".{{Cite web |last=Brownstein |first=Ronald |date=2023-09-15 |title=The Real Issue in the UAW Strike |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2023/09/uaw-union-strike-biden-electric-vehicle-investment/675331/ |access-date=2023-09-18 |website=The Atlantic |language=en |archive-date=September 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230917065158/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2023/09/uaw-union-strike-biden-electric-vehicle-investment/675331/ |url-status=live }} Fain asserts that, with the government incentives, "hundreds of billions of our taxpayer dollars ... are helping fund this, and workers cannot continue to be left behind in that equation".{{Cite web |date=2023-09-13 |title='Abandoned by the Democratic Party': Behind the UAW's frustrations with Biden |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/13/biden-labor-ally-threatening-energy-agenda-00115415 |access-date=2023-09-18 |website=POLITICO |language=en |archive-date=September 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920030113/https://www.politico.com/news/2023/09/13/biden-labor-ally-threatening-energy-agenda-00115415 |url-status=live }} The UAW seeks to mandate unionization of battery factories without a vote from factory employees.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-10 |title=The future of electric cars becomes 'make-or-break issue' as U.S. autoworkers' strike continues |url=https://fortune.com/2023/10/10/electric-cars-united-auto-workers-strike-negotiations-ford-stellantis-general-motors/ |access-date=2023-09-18 |website=POLITICO |language=en |archive-date=October 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024020046/https://fortune.com/2023/10/10/electric-cars-united-auto-workers-strike-negotiations-ford-stellantis-general-motors/ |url-status=live }}
Reactions
=Politicians=
== Democratic Party ==
On September 15, the day after the strike began, the UAW held a rally outside Huntington Place in Detroit, which was then hosting the North American International Auto Show. The rally featured speeches from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, as well as US Senator Bernie Sanders.{{Cite web |title=UAW members, supporters rally in Detroit to support strikers: 'I feel empowered' |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2023/09/15/uaw-members-supporters-rally-in-detroit-to-support-strikers/70865735007/ |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029202906/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2023/09/15/uaw-members-supporters-rally-in-detroit-to-support-strikers/70865735007/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last1=Carr |first1=Brandon |last2=Kelly |first2=Dane |date=2023-09-15 |title=UAW strike rally taking place in Downtown Detroit |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2023/09/15/uaw-strike-rally-taking-place-in-downtown-detroit/ |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=WDIV |language=en |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029202907/https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2023/09/15/uaw-strike-rally-taking-place-in-downtown-detroit/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez Muñoz |first=David |date=2023-09-15 |title=UAW members rally outside of Detroit auto show Charity Preview |url=https://www.freep.com/picture-gallery/news/local/michigan/2023/09/15/uaw-members-rally-outside-of-the-auto-show-charity-preview-event/70867052007/ |access-date= |website=Detroit Free Press |publisher=Gannett |language=en-US |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029202907/https://www.freep.com/picture-gallery/news/local/michigan/2023/09/15/uaw-members-rally-outside-of-the-auto-show-charity-preview-event/70867052007/ |url-status=live }} Sanders called on the CEOs of Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis to "end [their] greed", addressing each by name.{{Cite web |last=Delouya |first=Samantha |date=September 15, 2023 |title=Sen. Bernie Sanders calls on auto CEOs to "end your greed" |url=https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/strike-uaw-stellantis-ford-09-15-23/h_21f632683f76539b6a50e737de27b6f1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915230120/https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/strike-uaw-stellantis-ford-09-15-23/h_21f632683f76539b6a50e737de27b6f1 |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |access-date=September 15, 2023 |publisher=CNN}} Democratic members of Congress from the Detroit area, including Debbie Dingell, Haley Stevens, Shri Thanedar, and Rashida Tlaib, were also in attendance, voicing support for the strike.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-19 |title=State, national politicians flock to Michigan to support auto workers during UAW strike |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/19/uaw-strike-politicians-among-those-demonstrating-at-picket-lines/70892822007/ |access-date= |website=Detroit Free Press |publisher=Gannett |language=en-US |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029202906/https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/19/uaw-strike-politicians-among-those-demonstrating-at-picket-lines/70892822007/ |url-status=live }}
The strike posed a risk to president Joe Biden's commitment to electric vehicles as Biden was running for reelection. Biden's automotive industry liaison Gene Sperling stated that, while he remains committed to electric vehicles, Biden will ensure a "just transition" for union members.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/13/business/economy/autoworkers-strike-biden.html |title=Standoff Over Electric Vehicle Workers Poses Risk for Biden |date=September 13, 2023 |last=Scheiber |first=Noam |work=The New York Times |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913162129/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/13/business/economy/autoworkers-strike-biden.html |url-status=live }} On the day of the strike, Biden called for an amelioration with "record contracts" matching "record corporate profits".{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-66822558|title=UAW strike: Biden says striking car workers deserve 'fair share'|date=September 15, 2023 |publisher=BBC News|first=Natalie|last=Sherman |access-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915171936/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-66822558 |url-status=live }} On September 26, 2023, Biden joined the picket line at a General Motors warehouse in Van Buren Township, Michigan, and delivered comments supporting the striking workers; the appearance made him the first sitting US president to visit a picket line.{{cite web |last1=Min |first1=Seung |last2=Krisher |first2=Tom |last3=Megerian |first3=Chris |title=Biden tells striking auto workers to 'stick with it' in a historic visit to Michigan picket line |url=https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-strike-united-auto-workers-8ecc84eeca15c99673f31bdac6921f7b |website=APNews |date=September 26, 2023 |access-date=26 September 2023 |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926182417/https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-strike-united-auto-workers-8ecc84eeca15c99673f31bdac6921f7b |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Nicholas |first1=Peter |title=Biden makes history by joining striking autoworkers on the picket line |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-makes-history-striking-auto-workers-picket-line-rcna117348 |publisher=NBC News |access-date=26 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926214249/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-makes-history-striking-auto-workers-picket-line-rcna117348 |archive-date=26 September 2023 |language=English |date=26 September 2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Rogers |first1=Katie |last2=Green |first2=Erica L. |title=Biden Joins Autoworkers on Picket Line in Michigan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/26/us/politics/biden-uaw-strike-picket-michigan.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=26 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926215344/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/26/us/politics/biden-uaw-strike-picket-michigan.html |archive-date=26 September 2023 |date=26 September 2023 |quote=President Biden grabbed a bullhorn and joined striking autoworkers in Michigan on Tuesday, becoming the first sitting president to join a picket line in an extraordinary show of support for workers demanding better wages. |url-status=live}}
Throughout the strike, many other Democratic politicians have voiced their support for striking workers.{{Cite web |title=Hill Democrats were quick to pledge solidarity with auto workers as they went on strike Friday. |url=https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2023/09/15/congress/dems-uaw-strike-auto-workers-00116241 |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=POLITICO |date=September 15, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029202906/https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2023/09/15/congress/dems-uaw-strike-auto-workers-00116241 |url-status=live }} Many have joined picket lines at participating facilities; among them, US senators Gary Peters, Sherrod Brown, Bob Casey Jr.,{{Cite web |last=Terruso |first=Julia |date=2023-09-26 |title=Why Bob Casey — and many other politicians — are visiting the UAW picket line |url=https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/bob-casey-joe-biden-donald-trump-uaw-picket-line-bucks-county-20230926.html |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=The Philadelphia Inquirer |language=en |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029202906/https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/bob-casey-joe-biden-donald-trump-uaw-picket-line-bucks-county-20230926.html |url-status=live }} Dick Durbin, Tammy Duckworth, and John Fetterman;{{Cite web |title=State, national politicians flock to Michigan to support auto workers during UAW strike |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/19/uaw-strike-politicians-among-those-demonstrating-at-picket-lines/70892822007/ |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029202906/https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/19/uaw-strike-politicians-among-those-demonstrating-at-picket-lines/70892822007/ |url-status=live }} US representatives Cori Bush, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,{{Cite web |title=Bush, Ocasio-Cortez rally striking UAW members in Wentzville |url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/mo/st-louis/news/2023/09/25/uaw-strike-missouri |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=spectrumlocalnews.com |language=en |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029202907/https://spectrumlocalnews.com/mo/st-louis/news/2023/09/25/uaw-strike-missouri |url-status=live }} Ro Khanna, Morgan McGarvey, and Elissa Slotkin; Kentucky governor Andy Beshear and lieutenant governor Jacqueline Coleman;{{Cite web |title=Which politicians have visited the UAW picket line at the Ford Kentucky Truck Plant? |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/money/companies/2023/10/24/uaw-strike-politicians-visit-picket-line-at-ford-kentucky-truck-plant/71244250007/ |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=The Courier-Journal |language=en-US}} Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson;{{Cite web |last=Laurence |first=Justin |date=2023-10-05 |title=Johnson to join UAW picket line on Saturday |url=https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/brandon-johnson-join-uaw-strike-ford-plant |url-access=subscription |website=Crain's Chicago Business |access-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029202906/https://www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/brandon-johnson-join-uaw-strike-ford-plant |url-status=live }} and Louisville mayor Craig Greenberg.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-15 |title=Democrats head to the picket line as UAW strike gets underway |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/meetthepressblog/democrats-head-picket-line-uaw-strike-gets-underway-rcna105292 |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029202906/https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/meetthepressblog/democrats-head-picket-line-uaw-strike-gets-underway-rcna105292 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Placko |first=Dane |date=2023-09-25 |title=Striking UAW workers in Bolingbrook get political support from Durbin |url=https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/striking-uaw-workers-bolingbrook-political-support-dick-durbin |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=FOX 32 Chicago |language=en-US |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029202907/https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/striking-uaw-workers-bolingbrook-political-support-dick-durbin |url-status=live }}
== Republican Party ==
Former president Donald Trump did not publicly support the strike, instead criticizing UAW leadership and the Biden administration's electric car policy saying "UAW workers being sold down the river by the union in favor of green agenda".{{cite web |last=Robertson |first=Nick |date=September 15, 2023 |title=Trump: UAW workers 'being sold down the river' |url=https://thehill.com/business/4207010-trump-uaw-workers-being-sold-down-the-river/ |access-date=September 17, 2023 |work=The Hill}} Much of his criticism of the UAW centered on comments made by Fain criticizing Trump; he subsequently called on Fain and the UAW to endorse his campaign.
On September 18, Trump's campaign announced that he would give a televised speech to striking autoworkers in Detroit on the evening of September 27, the same night as the second Republican presidential debate in California.{{cite web |last1=Ibssa |first1=Lalee |last2=Rin Kim |first2=Soo |last3=Farrow |first3=Fritz |title=Trump expected to skip 2nd Republican debate, plans speech to workers in Detroit |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-expected-skip-2nd-republican-debate-plans-speech/story?id=103291289 |website=ABC |access-date=September 22, 2023 |archive-date=September 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922021748/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-expected-skip-2nd-republican-debate-plans-speech/story?id=103291289 |url-status=live }} The speech was held an hour prior to the debate, at a non-union Drake Enterprises auto parts plant in the Detroit suburb of Clinton Township.{{cite news |work=Yahoo! News |access-date=September 27, 2023 |last=Shalka |first=Liz |date=September 26, 2023 |url=https://news.yahoo.com/donald-trump-visit-nonunion-plant-205447123.html |title=Donald Trump To Visit Nonunion Plant During Autoworker Strike |archive-date=September 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927235158/https://news.yahoo.com/donald-trump-visit-nonunion-plant-205447123.html |url-status=live }} In the speech, Trump claimed to have "saved American auto manufacturing", and continued his criticism of Biden, accusing him of "destroying unions" and "shipping American jobs overseas", and claiming that his administration's promotion of electric vehicles would lead to losses for automakers, resulting in a rise in imported vehicles and mass layoffs at US plants.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-27 |title=Former President Donald Trump speaks before striking UAW members in Macomb County |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_OELLDxfXc |website=WJBK |type=Video |via=YouTube |access-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029202906/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_OELLDxfXc |url-status=live }} He downplayed the importance of the strike and negotiations, though he did call for automotive workers to be paid higher wages.{{Cite web |last=Mauger |first=Craig |date=2023-09-27 |title=Donald Trump: UAW negotiations 'don't mean as much as you think' |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/27/donald-trump-returns-auto-industry-strike-uaw-ev-taking-center-stage-presidential-election-joe-biden/70960155007/ |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029202907/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2023/09/27/donald-trump-returns-auto-industry-strike-uaw-ev-taking-center-stage-presidential-election-joe-biden/70960155007/ |url-status=live }} 400 to 500 Trump supporters were reportedly in attendance; it was unclear, however, how many were striking UAW members.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-28 |title=Few striking autoworkers show up for Trump's speech at a nonunion factory |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trump-autoworkers-striking-uaw-speech-second-republican-debate-rcna117115 |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029100701/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trump-autoworkers-striking-uaw-speech-second-republican-debate-rcna117115 |url-status=live }}
Kristina Karamo, chairperson of the Michigan Republican Party, similarly criticized the UAW for their support of Democratic candidates, whom she accused of damaging the US economy.
US Senator Tim Scott compared the UAW strike to the 1981 strikes organized by the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization and praised former President Ronald Reagan's approach, stating: "He said, you strike, you're fired. Simple concept to me".{{cite web |last=Habeshian |first=Sareen |date=September 21, 2023 |title=UAW files labor board complaint over Tim Scott's remarks on firing workers |url=https://www.axios.com/2023/09/22/tim-scott-uaw-shawn-fain |access-date=September 25, 2023 |work=Axios |archive-date=September 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929053406/https://www.axios.com/2023/09/22/tim-scott-uaw-shawn-fain |url-status=live }} Fain later filed a complaint against Scott with the National Labor Relations Board on the grounds that, as the employer of campaign staff, his statements reflected a threat against his workers' right to strike and violated the National Labor Relations Act.{{Cite web |last=Egwuonwu |first=Nnamdi |date=2023-09-22 |title=UAW president files complaint against Tim Scott over 'you strike, you're fired' remark |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/uaw-president-files-complaint-tim-scott-strike-re-fired-remark-rcna116879 |access-date=2023-09-23 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=September 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923010834/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/uaw-president-files-complaint-tim-scott-strike-re-fired-remark-rcna116879 |url-status=live }}
US Senators Josh Hawley and JD Vance were the only Republican members of Congress to have joined a picket line during the strike, having appeared at General Motors Wentzville Assembly and Stellantis Toledo Assembly, respectively.{{Cite web |last=Colbert |first=Ethan |date=2023-09-26 |title=Despite past labor positions, Sen. Josh Hawley pledges autoworker support in Wentzville |url=https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/despite-past-labor-positions-sen-josh-hawley-pledges-autoworker-support-in-wentzville/article_86fa88f2-5bd0-11ee-b156-5f1ac7d5dfcb.html |access-date=2023-10-29 |website=STLtoday.com |language=en |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029202906/https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/despite-past-labor-positions-sen-josh-hawley-pledges-autoworker-support-in-wentzville/article_86fa88f2-5bd0-11ee-b156-5f1ac7d5dfcb.html |url-status=live }}
= Automakers =
Ford CEO Jim Farley claimed that had the UAW proposal been in effect since 2019, Ford would have gone bankrupt.{{Cite news |date=2023-09-14 |title=Ford CEO says UAW proposal could force bankruptcy |language=en |agency=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ford-ceo-says-uaw-proposal-could-force-bankruptcy-2023-09-14/ |url-status=live |access-date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918162759/https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ford-ceo-says-uaw-proposal-could-force-bankruptcy-2023-09-14/ |archive-date=2023-09-18}} In response, Fain stated "The cost of labor for a vehicle is 5% ... They could double our wages and not raise the prices ... and they would still make billions of dollars. It's a lie like everything else that comes out of their mouths."{{Cite web |last=Isidore |first=Chris |date=September 15, 2023 |title=UAW president on Ford's bankruptcy threat: "It's a joke" |url=https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/strike-uaw-stellantis-ford-09-15-23/h_f831655e4e7132d7d4a0598b6c9fab8c |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918215412/https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/strike-uaw-stellantis-ford-09-15-23/h_f831655e4e7132d7d4a0598b6c9fab8c |archive-date=September 18, 2023 |access-date=September 19, 2023 |website=CNN}}
=Others=
In an opinion article, Steven Rattner, who served on Barack Obama's Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry during the government's restructuring of GM and Chrysler (predecessor of Stellantis) associated with their 2008 bankruptcies, stated that while he feels that the auto workers should get raises, they are asking for too much from an industry with thin profit margins that has stagnated relative to the growth of the overall economy.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/20/opinion/uaw-strike-economy-biden.html | title=The United Auto Workers Is Overplaying Its Hand, Risking Our Economy and the Election | last=Rattner | first=Steven | author-link=Steven Rattner | newspaper=The New York Times | date=2023-09-20 | quote=Yes, profits at the Detroit Three are at record levels – $37 billion last year. But the auto industry usually operates at thin margins, and even though labor costs are a relatively small fraction of the companies' overall expenses, those profits can evaporate quickly. Financial markets are acutely aware of the large-scale challenges facing the Detroit companies. General Motors' stock price has been essentially flat since the company went public nearly 13 years ago, while the overall equity market has appreciated by 276 percent. | access-date=September 23, 2023 | archive-date=September 22, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922223453/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/20/opinion/uaw-strike-economy-biden.html | url-status=live }}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{United Auto Workers}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:United Auto Workers strike, 2023}}
Category:2023 labor disputes and strikes
Category:2020s strikes in the United States
Category:September 2023 in the United States
Category:October 2023 in the United States
Category:Manufacturing industry labor disputes in the United States
Category:History of Toledo, Ohio
Category:History of Wayne County, Michigan
Category:St. Charles, Missouri
Category:Ford Motor Company labor relations