United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain took to social media this morning to announce additional strikes at two General Motors and Ford plants in Michigan and Illinois.
During a Facebook and YouTube livestream, the UAW chief called on union members at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant and General Motors’ Lansing Delta Township to abandon their posts and join the picket line. In a broadcast aired the previous week, Fain declined to launch new strikes against Ford as the automaker had acquiesced to several of the organization’s terms, including cost of living adjustments, the right to strike against plant closures and an easier path to benefits for temporary workers. But in today’s appearance, the union leader explained that negotiations with Ford have stalled once more since his last statement. Between the three Detroit car manufacturers, it seems talks have progressed the least with General Motors, whose executives have been the most vocal in their opposition to the demands of United Auto Workers members.
Unlike its competitors, Stellantis did not accumulate additional walkouts this week. After joining the livestream almost 30 minutes later than scheduled, Fain revealed that the delay had been caused by an unexpected call from the automaker, in which negotiators expressed a willingness to concede on cost of living demands and the right to strike in protest against factory closures.
After this morning’s announcement, workers at 43 facilities owned by Detroit automakers are now on strike, with little end in sight. “To be clear, Negotiations haven’t broken down,” remarked Fain. “We’re still talking with all three companies.” Earlier this week, both Donald Trump and President Biden joined United Auto Workers pickets in Detroit, sharing opposing messages with union members. Fain did not reference the GOP candidate’s appearance during the livestream but did express thanks for the White House’s visit.
