The Daily A Breaking Point for the U.S. Auto Industry
43 snips
Sep 12, 2023 Neal Boudette, an auto industry correspondent for The New York Times, sheds light on a potential historic strike involving 150,000 U.S. autoworkers against General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. He discusses the evolving dynamics between the United Auto Workers and automakers, unveiling the long history of labor negotiations that led to current tensions. Boudette also highlights the striking contrast between rising automaker profits and worker dissatisfaction, as new union leadership calls for fair wages and better working conditions. It's a critical moment for labor in America.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
UAW's Power and the 1970 Strike
- In the 1960s, the Big Three automakers dominated the US auto industry, holding immense power.
- The UAW's 67-day strike against GM in 1970 underscored their leverage, leading to substantial wage and benefit increases.
Foreign Competition's Impact
- The arrival of foreign competition, particularly from Toyota and Honda, disrupted the Big Three's dominance.
- Building US plants with non-union workers further challenged the Big Three's cost structure and market share.
Shifting Consumer Preferences
- Michael Barbaro's family switched from American to foreign cars, reflecting a broader trend.
- Neal Boudette shares a similar experience, highlighting the Big Three's quality issues.