## Biden Urges Deal Between Big Three and UAW Amid Looming Strike Threat
With a mere month remaining before a critical deadline that could instigate strikes and disrupt automotive contract talks, President Biden has called on Detroit’s Big Three – General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, and the United Auto Workers (UAW) to come to an agreement.
Biden urged automakers to take all necessary steps to prevent plant closures and retain jobs in their existing manufacturing communities during necessary retooling phases. He also emphasized the need for fair wages that can support families and respect for workers’ rights to unionize.
## Biden’s Warning to UAW Amid Wage Increase Demands
The President also had words of caution for the UAW as they push for significant wage increases. He underscored that the U.S. auto industry must remain competitive both domestically and globally.
Biden’s statement comes at a crucial time when the industry is undergoing widespread retooling to shift towards electric vehicle production. The President highlighted the role of the middle class and unions in building America and expressed his belief that the shift to clean energy should present a win-win opportunity for auto companies and unionized workers.
## Contract Expiration Looms Amid Aggressive Wage Campaign
Biden’s intervention comes at a critical time as the UAW’s new leadership is leading an aggressive campaign for improved wages and benefits. With the union’s current contract set to expire on September 14, there are indications that a strike may be imminent if negotiations do not progress.
The automotive sector, which constitutes about 3% of total U.S. gross domestic product, is of vital interest. UAW’s 150,000 automotive members produce nearly half of the light vehicles manufactured in the country, according to GlobalData.
## Administration Seeks to Avoid Strike Amid Positive Economic Indicators
Amid positive indicators buoying economists’ and consumers’ attitudes about the economy, the administration is keen to avoid a strike that could cripple a crucial part of the manufacturing sector.
## Discord Between Biden and UAW
Biden’s statement comes after the UAW took an unusual step of withholding its endorsement for the President’s reelection, seeking strong support from the administration before committing to an endorsement. This move marked a rare moment of discord between a president and a labor movement that have traditionally been allies.
## Big Three and UAW Respond to Biden’s Statement
The UAW’s newly elected president, Shawn Fain, has amped up the union’s demands after criticizing years of complacency and concessions by union leadership. Automakers countered by suggesting that they cannot remain competitive against Tesla and other non-unionized workplaces if they yield to the union’s demands.
While General Motors, Ford, and the UAW did not immediately comment on Biden’s statement, Stellantis stated its aim for a deal that balances employees’ concerns with its vision for the future. The company expressed its intent to meet marketplace challenges and secure the future for employees, their families, and the company.
Original Story at www.washingtonpost.com – 2023-08-14 18:26:29
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