Neal E. Boudette, an auto industry correspondent for The New York Times, discusses the historic strike and win for auto workers. Topics include significant pay increases, improved benefits, the power of workers, financial impact of the strike, and the ambitions of the United Auto Workers (UAW).
The new contract agreement between the UAW and car manufacturers includes significant wage increases for both top and lower-paid workers, along with other gains such as cost of living adjustments and improved pension contributions.
UAW President Sean Fane's strategy of targeted strikes at multiple companies simultaneously was effective in keeping the companies off balance and gaining ground for the union, leading to successful negotiations.
Deep dives
Huge pay increases for auto workers in tentative deal
The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has reached a tentative contract agreement with Ford, GM, and Stellantis, after weeks of striking and negotiations. The top UAW wage is set to increase by 25% over four and a half years, from $32 an hour to over $40 an hour. Lower-paid workers will see even bigger increases, with wages potentially doubling for some in four and a half years. Cost of living adjustments, improved pension and 401k contributions, and the right to strike over plant closures are among the other gains in the agreement.
New strategies and targeted strikes lead to victory
UAW President Sean Fane employed a new strategy of targeted strikes at all three companies simultaneously, focusing on specific plants at different times. This approach kept the companies off balance, making it difficult for them to predict the union's moves. Fane's confrontational approach and willingness to hit companies unexpectedly proved effective in gaining ground for the union, leading to successful negotiations.
Implications for UAW and future union organizing
The UAW's victory in securing a favorable contract sets a positive precedent for the union and can potentially attract new members. The gains achieved in this contract enhance the UAW's image and appeal, especially compared to non-unionized foreign-owned plants in the South that pay significantly lower wages. The UAW aims to expand its membership and organize these plants, leveraging the significant wage gap to entice workers to join the union.
A wave of strikes that has paralyzed the auto industry came to an end on Monday, when the last of the three big car manufacturers, General Motors, reached a deal with the United Automobile Workers union.
Neal E. Boudette, who covers the auto industry for The Times, discusses the historic deal and why it was such a big win for workers.
Guest: Neal E. Boudette, an auto industry correspondent for The New York Times.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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