Sunday, September 17, 2023

United Auto Workers Go On Strike

 


More labor strikes are becoming common. The automotive industry is now seeing workers protest their grievances. The UAW are on strike and it is entering its third day. Without a settlement, this could have negative consequences for the US economy. Corporate avarice has driven workers to protest. This is the largest strike in the automotive industry's history. A total of 13,000 automotive workers have joined the movement. The United Automobile, Aerospace , and Agricultural Implement Workers of America has an estimated 400,000 members and 580,000 retired members. The corporations effected are the three major one in the United States. Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis refused to meet the demands of employees. What the UAW seeks is increased benefits for retirees, limiting the use of temporary workers, paid leave, cost of living allowance, a pension benefit, reduced work hours, and a 40% wage increase related to contracts. The cost of living allowance demand is an obvious symptom of inflation caused by the conditions in  Europe. Another pressing matter is the right of workers to strike against closing plants. The labor  strikes are active in Ohio, Michigan, and Missouri. The CEOs of the car corporations are seeing their  pay increase, while auto workers are struggling. The government tends to side in favor of the corporate elite, rather than the average worker. Frustration has been building across the country over economic inequality and unchecked power of business. The Biden administration's poor handing of the railroad worker strike demonstrates a limited support for organized labor. The UAW does have a solution to protect auto workers. The strike fund can provide workers pay. Depending on how long the labor strikes last and inflation it might not be enough. The strike pay fund is estimated to be $825,000,000. 

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