As a potential strike looms, the podcast discusses the demands of UAW workers in their new contract and examines the approaches of the Biden administration and Republicans. It explores the sticking points in the negotiations, tensions between labor unions and President Biden, and the current state of the labor movement in the US.
The United Auto Workers (UAW) may go on strike, potentially leading to a decrease in dealership inventory and a rise in car prices.
Wages and economic issues are the main sticking points in the negotiations, with the UAW seeking significant wage increases and the elimination of the two-tier system.
Deep dives
Potential Strike by United Auto Workers
The United Auto Workers (UAW) may go on strike if they fail to reach a deal with the big three automakers - GM, Ford, and Stellantis. The UAW has previously chosen one strike target, but this time they're warning of a potential strike at all three companies simultaneously. If a strike occurs, it could lead to a decrease in dealership inventory and a rise in car prices.
Key Sticking Points in Negotiations
Wages and economic issues are the main sticking points in the negotiations between the unions and the auto companies. The UAW is seeking significant wage increases, restoration of cost of living adjustments, and the elimination of the two-tier system introduced in 2007. The auto companies argue that the transition to electric cars is costly and have offered wage increases in the range of 10-15%, along with one-time bonus payments.
The State of Labor and Union Support
While union membership has been declining, public support for unions has been increasing. Gallup polls show that about two-thirds of Americans approve of unions, even though only about 10% of Americans actually belong to unions. Union leaders, like UAW President Sean Fain, have been taking a more combative and political approach. The strong economy and tight labor market have also given unions leverage to make larger wage and benefit demands.
Public opinion toward organized labor is at recent highs. As a potential strike by the United Auto Workers looms, we look at what UAW workers are looking for in a new contract, and how the Biden administration & Republicans alike are approaching this moment.
This episode: political correspondents Susan Davis & Don Gonyea, and labor & workplace correspondent Andrea Hsu.
This episode was produced by Casey Morell and Elena Moore. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.
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