UAW Workers Vote to Authorize Strikes
United Auto Workers union (UAW) members voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike against General Motors (GM), Ford, and Stellantis.
The potential strike comes after negotiations went several months without a new four-year labor agreement between UAW and the three automobile giants. UAW President Rory Gamble said in a statement that the workers will stay on the job and continue negotiating until a new labor agreement is reached.
The potential strike is the first potential labor walkout by UAW since 2007 when its workers went on a two-day strike against GM. The move to authorize a strike is significant as it is a legally binding step that allows the union to legally call a strike at any time.
Although a potential strike is a major step toward securing fair wages and benefits for the workers, UAW negotiators need to reach a labor agreement with the auto companies in order to avoid a potentially disastrous strike. UAW has already filed unfair labor practice charges against GM, Ford, and Stellantis, claiming that the companies violated federal labor law by failing to negotiate fairly.
Gamble added that UAW members have made clear their commitment to a fair contract, but that both sides are still far apart. He continued that the UAW leadership won’t settle for anything less than a fair deal that provides strong wages and benefits, job security, a more affordable health care plan, and other benefits that the members deserve.
The potential strike has been looming since early April, when bargaining teams for the union and the three automakers failed to reach a tentative agreement. UAW members have been working without a labor contract since the current one expired in mid-September.
If the three automakers and UAW are unable to reach an agreement, the union has the legal authority to call for a strike. The outcome of a potential strike could have far-reaching economic implications, as the union estimates that there are more than 100,000 UAW members that would be affected if a strike is called.
At this point, it all comes down to bargaining. The UAW is committed to securing a fair deal for its members, and the automakers are hoping that they can reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. Until then, UAW members have taken a step toward a possible strike by voting overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike.
