United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain has warned that more strikes could occur at US truck and SUV factories unless the Detroit Three automakers improve their wage and benefit offers. Fain argued that the companies could afford more than the current record packages on the table. After five weeks of strikes, the UAW has received fresh contract offers from General Motors (GM) and Chrysler-parent Stellantis in the past 24 hours, while Ford made its newest offer over two weeks ago. The Detroit Three have reportedly converged on a 23% wage hike offer and made progress on other issues, but Fain insists that there is still more to be won.
Fain also acknowledged that some UAW members want to vote on the offers they have received, but he urged them not to give in to “fear, uncertainty, doubt, and division” that he believes the companies are sowing. He warned of possible expanded strikes but also stated that the talks were closing in on an end. Shares in GM and Ford both closed up about 1% on Friday, before Fain spoke.
Friday’s progress in talks followed the UAW’s surprise strike last week at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant. Ford has argued that it is at the limit of what it can pay and remain competitive. Some of Fain’s toughest rhetoric was directed at Ford and company chair Bill Ford, accusing them of not wanting UAW members to have the money despite declaring a $600 million fourth-quarter dividend. Automakers have claimed that the union’s demands would significantly raise costs and impede their electric vehicle ambitions.
