UAW president on possible strike: We’re in it for the long haul
The strike deadline is at 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 14.
FILE - United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain talks with autoworkers outside the General Motors Factory Zero plant in Hamtramck, Mich., July 12, 2023.
Two weeks into contract negotiations and the leader of the United Auto Workers union is decrying the slow pace of talks with Detroit automakers.
UAW president Shawn Fain reiterated that leadership and union members are in it for the long haul. Fain cited the ongoing writers and actors strike against media companies as a similar cause for workers’ rights.
“Auto workers are fighting to maintain our standards and win job security in the transition to electric vehicles,” Fain said during a livestream update. “Writers and actors are fighting for the same in the transition to streaming and all of us are at war with corporate greed.”
President Joe Biden gave his support to UAW members, saying all sides should work “together to forge a fair agreement.” Fain says the Biden administration and workers are on the same page.
Read: Biden taps Sperling to smooth UAW contract talks with Detroit automakers
“The White House agrees with us that Big 3 profits should be invested in collective bargaining agreements that lift up auto workers, our families and our communities,” stated Fain.
The UAW has yet to endorse Biden in his run for re-election next year.
Fain announced that a series of strike authorization votes will take place over the next 10 days. He says it’s best to show Ford, Stellantis and General Motors that the UAW’s 150,000 members are serious about contract talks.
“This isn’t just a strike vote — it’s a demonstration of our strength, a sign of our unity and it’s a statement about our resolve,” says Fain.
The UAW is asking for hefty salary increases and improved health and pension benefits for retirees.
The strike deadline is at 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 14.
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