Thousands of members of the United Auto Workers went on strike at three U.S. assembly plants of General Motors, Ford Motor and Stellantis, after the union and the automakers failed to reach a deal on a new contract Thursday night.
In a members update webcast on Facebook Live on Thursday night, UAW President Shawn Fain said that the union is committed to a contract that reflects the “incredible sacrifices and contributions” that UAW members have made. The union has said wages for auto workers who make the top rate have risen about 6% over the past four years, while the three auto makers’ North American profits have increased about 65% during that time.
A strike at all three U.S. automakers would be a break with UAW tradition, as the union for many years has elected to center efforts striking at one company to protect its strike fund and picket-line firepower.
