After going on strike last Friday, following several failed negotiations with the big three automakers, the United Auto Workers union rejected a 21% wage increase.
The demands of the workers of Ford, General Motors and Stellantis are clear, seeking an increase of more than 36% in four years, although The executives of these three companies have put several proposals for salary adjustments on the tablethe union has described them as “disappointing.”
United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain said: “Our demands are fair. We are asking for our fair share in this economy and the fruits of our labor“. In addition to salary increases, workers are demanding better working conditions, more pension benefits and paid time off.
After four days of protests, many analysts consider that this strike could cost the US economy billions of dollars and would also affect the closest companies where the demonstrations are taking place.
Last week Stellantis, Chrysler’s parent company, offered the UAW a 14.5% wage adjustment in its latest agreements; However, the union notes that these increases do not compare to the salary adjustments that the CEOs of these three companies have received.
According to Fain, the salaries of automotive industry employees have fallen “our profits have gone down. Most of our members now have no retirement security,” she said.
Manufacturers have shown their interest in reaching agreements with their employees; nevertheless They point out that the sector is not experiencing its best moment and, therefore, they must adjust to the market with better offers by reducing vehicle prices to be able to keep up with the competition.
In this regard, Fain highlighted that “they could double our salaries and not increase the price of vehicles and still make billions in profits. It’s a choice. And the fact that they want to compare it to how pitiful Tesla pays its workers and other companies pay their workers, that’s what this whole argument is about. Workers in this country have to decide if they want a better life for themselves.instead of fighting to survive paycheck to paycheck, while everyone else walks away with the loot,” he said.
It seems that the union is determined to remain in its position in what they have called a “standing strike” and in this way continue to keep the pressure on the shoulders of Ford, General Motors and Stellantis.
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Source: La Opinion
