Today, Explained "No contract! No cars!"
Sep 30, 2019
Quinn Kleinfelter, Senior News Editor at WDET, dives into the seismic UAW strike at General Motors—its longest since the 1970s. He discusses the drivers behind the strike, including wage demands and job stability amid rising profits for GM. The podcast explores internal union dynamics, corruption scandals, and federal investigations affecting labor negotiations. Kleinfelter also touches on the challenges of automation and electric vehicles, raising concerns about the future of American labor. It's a deep look at unity within the workforce and the road ahead for unions.
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Detroit's Auto Industry Decline and Resurgence
- Detroit was the heart of the global auto industry 70 years ago, boasting nearly 300,000 manufacturing jobs.
- A decade ago, GM and Chrysler faced bankruptcy, requiring a Congressional bailout to save the industry and jobs.
UAW's Bargaining Strategy
- The UAW targets one of the Big Three (GM, Ford, Fiat Chrysler) to establish a contract template for the others.
- This year, GM was chosen, with the UAW seeking a larger share of the profits after concessions during the company's bailout.
Automation's Impact on Auto Jobs
- One factor affecting auto workers is automation, as robots can replace multiple workers without needing salaries or benefits.
- This automation trend poses a significant challenge to manufacturing jobs, particularly in the auto industry.