Odd Lots cover image

Odd Lots

Steven Rattner on the UAW Strike and the Challenges of Bidenomics

Sep 22, 2023
Steven Rattner, former auto task force leader under Obama and CEO of Willett Advisors, shares insights on the UAW strike and its implications for labor and the auto industry. He discusses the balance between labor demands and the transition to electric vehicles, emphasizing the challenges faced by traditional automakers. Rattner also explores how current negotiations connect to historical concessions and the broader goals of Bidenomics, particularly in boosting domestic manufacturing and addressing competitive pressures in the global market.
51:15

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The UAW strike and negotiations with automakers highlight the intersection of labor concerns, productivity, and long-term competitiveness in the evolving auto industry.
  • Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) poses challenges for legacy automakers, including potential strains on the workforce and questions about labor costs, competitiveness, and consumer demand.

Deep dives

The Economic Backdrop and Power Dynamics Play a Key Role in UAW Strikes

The ongoing United Auto Workers (UAW) strikes against the Detroit three automakers are happening against the backdrop of historically low unemployment and post-pandemic reshoring efforts. The strong labor market has empowered workers to push for higher wages and better benefits. However, the global trend of reshoring also poses challenges for industries like autos that are grappling with the EV transition and competition from Chinese manufacturers. The tensions between the UAW and automakers highlight the intersection of labor concerns, productivity, and long-term competitiveness in the evolving auto industry.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode