WAYNE, Mich. (NewsNation) — United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain has issued a threat to expand the union’s strike against the Detroit Big Three automakers if “substantial progress” is not made.
In a statement on Monday, Fain stated that additional local chapters will be involved in the work stoppage if negotiations do not progress by 12 p.m. ET on Friday.
“We’re going to continue targeting the company as needed. We will not wait indefinitely while they prolong this process,” Fain said in a union news release. “I have been clear with the Big Three every step of the way. And I’m going to be crystal clear again right now.”
Fain has referred to this strategy as a Stand-Up Strike, which involves targeted strikes at specific auto factories to keep company officials uncertain. Currently, UAW has initiated strikes at three plants in Michigan, Ohio, and Missouri as part of the first wave of shutdowns.
The strike has the potential to escalate to an international level, impacting auto workers in Canada. Over 5,000 members of Unifor, the Canadian counterpart to the UAW, were prepared to strike against Ford, but these plans have been temporarily put on hold for 24 hours as negotiations continue.
One of the main demands of the union is a 40% pay increase for auto workers, which has been a contentious issue in the negotiations.
At present, full-time employees earn annual salaries ranging from $36,000 to $80,000. In contrast, the CEOs of Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis earn salaries that are 350 times higher, with each making at least $20 million per year.
According to a professor, if the strike continues for an additional five days, it could potentially result in an economic impact exceeding $5 billion.
The strike has caught the attention of the leading 2024 presidential candidates.
President Joe Biden announced that White House advisor Gene Sperling and Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su will be arriving in Michigan this week to help reach a resolution with the automakers.
In addition, a campaign advisor for former President Donald Trump confirmed that he will be visiting Michigan next week to deliver a speech in support of the workers, coinciding with the same day as the next Republican primary debate.
