UAW chief says offers from Detroit companies are inadequate, says union is ready to go on strike

[Omaha Steve]

https://apnews.com/article/united-auto-workers-strike-plan-general-motors-stellantis-ford-14ff9c7ababe5d3d13265b59bfbd8760

By TOM KRISHER and DAVID KOENIG
Updated 8:16 PM CDT, September 13, 2023

DETROIT (AP) — With just over 24 hours left before a strike deadline, United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain said Wednesday that offers from the companies aren’t enough and the union is getting ready to strike.

In an online address to union members, Fain said General Motors, Ford and Stellantis have raised their initial wage offers, but have rejected some of the union’s other demands.

“We do not yet have offers on the table that reflect the sacrifices and contributions our members have made to these companies,” he said. “To win we’re likely going to have to take action. We are preparing to strike these companies in a way they’ve never seen before.”

The union is threatening to strike after contracts with companies that haven’t reached an agreement by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday. But the strikes would be targeted to a small number of factories per company. It would be the first time in the union’s 80-plus-year history that it struck all three companies at the same time.

FULL story at link above.

[MichMan]

1. I'm afraid this may be a long strike

The companies aren't likely to agree with a 36% wage increase, 32 hour workweek at 40 hour pay, retroactive restoration of pensions (401k has been in place for anyone hired after 2007) and full heath care insurance for all past and future retirees.

Getting agreement on the Tiers and COLA is a lot more doable. Not sure about getting agreement on the ability to strike to stop any plant closures or mass layoffs.

Both sides may be entrenched for awhile. Not optimistic it will be settled quickly