Strikes extend at Detroit car makers, but progress at Ford

The autoworkers' union will expand its strike against parts distribution centres across the US at GM and Stellantis, extending its unprecedented, simultaneous strikes.

The United Auto Workers will expand its strikes against Detroit car makers General Motors and Chrysler and Fiat parent Stellantis, but has made real progress in talks with Ford, the union has said. 

The autoworkers' union will expand its strike against parts distribution centres across the US at GM and Stellantis, extending its unprecedented, simultaneous strikes that began with one assembly plant at each of the Detroit Three.

UAW president Shawn Fain, in a Facebook live event, said by targeting distribution centres, this turns the strike into a nationwide event.

"We will be everywhere from California to Massachusetts, from Oregon to Florida," said Mr Fain. Mr Fain said earlier this week further strikes could be avoided if companies showed "significant progress" toward an agreement.

"Stellantis and GM in particular are going to need some serious pushing," said Mr Fain. He said they have more work to do at Ford, but "we do want to recognise that Ford is showing they're serious about reaching a deal".

The union will also invite president Joe Biden to come to the picket lines. The president has been vocal in his support for the union's demands for better pay and benefits.

Negotiations

Ford said it is continuing to negotiate, adding that "we have more work ahead of us before we can reach an agreement". The wider strike will not at this time include plants that build highly profitable pickup trucks like GM's Chevy Silverado and Stellantis' Ram.

About 12,700 workers walked out at plants in Missouri, Michigan, and Ohio on September 15. Those plants produce the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Chevrolet Colorado, alongside other popular models.

Responding to the news of progress at Ford, Arthur Wheaton, who teaches collective bargaining at Cornell's School of Industrial and Labor Relations, said "I'm not surprised and that is primarily because Ford has a long history of stronger labour relations".

The standoff is fuelling worries about prolonged industrial action that could disrupt production and ripple through the supply chain and dent US economic growth. A Reuters-Ipsos poll shows significant support by Americans for the striking auto workers.

The strike has become a focus of attention for Mr Biden and Republican candidates who want to replace him. An invitation by the UAW to Mr Biden would be a notable overture by the union to the White House, which it has held at arm's length until now.

Mr Fain has said the Detroit car makers have not shared their huge profits with workers while enriching executives and investors. GM president Mark Reuss this week rejected those claims, saying the current offer to the union would be generous and the company's profits have been reinvested in electric vehicles. The automakers have proposed 20% raises over 4-1/2 years, while the UAW is seeking 40%. 

Reuters