In a recent development, United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain declared an expansion of the ongoing strike, with 38 additional sites and nearly 5,500 workers joining the protest.
The affected locations, which include General Motors and Stellantis parts distribution centers, span across 20 states in the U.S.
During a press conference, Fain highlighted that the latest wave of walkouts is primarily aimed at General Motors (GM) plants and Stellantis distribution sites. He noted that while significant progress has been made with Ford Motor Company, GM and Stellantis "will need some pushing." "All that represents serious movement on tiers, pay and job security. We want to recognize that Ford is serious about reaching a deal," Fain stated. "At GM and Stellantis, its a different story."
In response to the UAW's escalation, GM issued a statement labeling the action as "unnecessary." The automaker said, "We have now presented five separate economic proposals that are historic, addressing areas that our team members have said matter most: wage increases and job security while allowing GM to succeed and thrive into the future." GM also pledged to continue bargaining in good faith with the union to reach an agreement as swiftly as possible.
Stellantis, on the other hand, questioned the UAW leadership's commitment to reaching a timely agreement. In its statement, the company said, "They seem more concerned about pursuing their own political agendas than negotiating in the best interests of our employees and the sustainability of our U.S. operations given the market's fierce competition."
The UAW's "Stand-up Strike" commenced on September 15, with employees at GM, Ford, and Stellantis walking off the job. The workers are demanding a new labor agreement that offers improved benefits and wages.
In a related development, former President Donald Trump announced last week that he would skip the second GOP presidential primary debate to rally with the striking auto workers. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that the UAW workers "are being sold down the 'drain' with this all-electric car SCAM." He added, "Theyll be made in China, under Crooked Joes CHINA FIRST POLICY."
"AUTOWORKERS, VOTE FOR TRUMP," the former president wrote. "ILL MAKE YOU VICTORIOUS & RICH. IF YOUR LEADERS WONT ENDORSE ME, VOTE THEM OUT OF OFFICE, NOW. WITH THE DEMOCRATS & CROOKED JOE CALLING THE SHOTS, YOULL BE JOBLESS & PENNILESS WITHIN 4 YEARS. REMEMBER, BIDEN IS A CROOK WHO HAS BEEN PAID MILLIONS OF DOLLARS BY CHINA, & OTHERS. He is a Manchurian Candidate!!!"
The UAW has refrained from endorsing President Biden, citing concerns over his administration's push for electric vehicles.
On Friday evening, President Biden announced his plans to travel to Michigan 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. Its time for a win-win agreement that keeps American auto manufacturing thriving with well-paid UAW jobs," he said in a post on X.
This announcement followed an invitation from Fain for Biden to join the workers on the picket line, even as the union continues to withhold its endorsement.
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