by Will Kessler
More auto workers are set to go on strike against top auto manufacturers if a deal is not met by Friday at noon, according to an announcement from the union Monday night.
The United Auto Workers (UAW) are currently engaging in a targeted strike at just three plants in negotiations with the Big Three automakers — Ford, General Motors and Stellantis — avoiding a total strike of all 146,000 unionized workers after the parties failed to reach a deal for new contracts on Sept. 14. Shawn Fain, president of the UAW, announced that more members at different plants would join the strike if the union and automakers did not make serious progress on new contracts by Friday at noon, according to a video posted by the union.
“I have been clear with the Big Three every step of the way,” Fain said in the announcement. “And I’m going to be crystal clear again right now. If we don’t make serious progress by noon on Friday, September 22nd, more locals will be called on to Stand Up and join the strike. That will mark more than a week since our first members walked out. And that will mark more than a week of the Big Three failing to make progress in negotiations toward reaching a deal that does right by our members.”
Friday, September 22nd.
Noon.
The working class won't wait.#StandUpUAW pic.twitter.com/btglVN27cO— UAW (@UAW) September 19, 2023
The union originally demanded a 46% wage hike over four and a half years, a shorter work week, defined pensions for more workers and greater job security as major automakers expand their electric vehicle operations at the expense of their traditional operations. In negotiations, the union has offered a 36% wage increase for the length of the contract, which is still greater than the 20% raise that was offered by the Big Three.
“Between now and then, UAW members will keep organizing actions,” Fain said. “Those on strike will remain on strike. And those on the job will keep monitoring for unilateral changes made by management, which are NOT allowed under an expired contract.”
UAW, Ford, GM and Stellantis did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation.
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Will Kessler is a reporter at Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “UAW Workers on Strike” by UAW International Union.
