## UAW Strikes Continue Amidst Controversy, Misinformation
The United Auto Workers union (UAW) enters the sixth day of targeted strikes against Detroit automakers, including General Motors. The union’s leadership faces criticism from GM President Mark Reuss for its rhetoric and alleged misinformation during ongoing contract negotiations.
Reuss, in an editorial, expressed his concern regarding the union’s public criticism of the company. He highlighted elements of GM’s “record” contract proposal last week, which included 20% pay raises and improved time off, bonuses, and other benefits over the four-year term of the deal.
## GM President’s Statement
“We have delivered a record offer. That is a fact,” Reuss stated in a Wednesday column in The Detroit Free Press. “It rightly rewards our team members while positioning the company for success in the future. Often in these situations, the clouds of rhetoric can obscure reality.”
The UAW has yet to respond to the op-ed, as of Wednesday morning.
## Strike Expansion Threat
GM’s last offer was made on September 14, ahead of the union initiating a “Stand Up Strike” at one assembly plant each for GM, Ford Motor, and Stellantis. UAW President Shawn Fain announced that the strikes would expand on Friday unless “serious progress” is made in negotiations.
Currently, approximately 12,700 UAW workers are on strike. They come from GM’s midsize truck and full-size van plant in Wentzville, Missouri; Ford’s Ranger midsize pickup and Bronco SUV plant in Wayne, Michigan; and Stellantis’ Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator plant in Toledo, Ohio.
## Union’s Demands Deemed Untenable
Reuss described the union’s full demands as “untenable,” or unsustainable, for the company. “If we don’t continue to invest, we will lose ground — quickly. Our competitors across the country and around the world, most of whom are non-union, will waste no time seizing the opportunity we would be handing them,” he said.
The union’s demands include 40% hourly pay increases; a reduced, 32-hour workweek; a shift back to traditional pensions; the elimination of compensation tiers; and a restoration of cost-of-living adjustments. Other items on the table include enhanced retiree benefits and better vacation and family leave benefits.
The proposal, which recognizes “the many contributions our represented team members make to our company — past, present and future,” would see about 85% of current represented employees earning a base wage of approximately $82,000 a year.
## Auto Industry Execs Respond
Reuss’ comments are the latest from automotive executives as the UAW takes a strategically aggressive approach during talks, showing little leeway in their demands. Ford CEO Jim Farley criticized Fain for his approach to bargaining, expressing frustration over the negotiations. “We’ve never seen anything like this; it’s frustrating,” Farley said. “I don’t know what Shawn Fain is doing, but he’s not negotiating this contract with us, as it expires.”
Original Story at www.cnbc.com – 2023-09-20 15:21:58
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