By Lauren Fix
This could be the first time in history that a nationwide UAW strike is called simultaneously at General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis with about 146,000 autoworkers are represented by the union.
UAW President Shawn Fain wants better pay, benefits, and work-life balance for workers, but at what cost to car makers and the economy.
At the heart of this strike is the fight for better wages, job security, and improved working conditions. UAW members are demanding their fair share of the profits. But the impact of this strike goes beyond the picket lines.
Workers of the auto industry’s Big Three — Ford, GM and Stellantis (formerly Chrysler) — are asking for a 46% raise compounded over four years and the restoration of traditional pension benefits.
One thing’s for certain: the UAW strike fallout is not just about one company or one group of workers. It’s about the future of the auto industry and the livelihoods of thousands of workers and their families.
One of the most immediate and visible consequences of the strike will be the halt in production. Factories across the nation could stand idle, leaving shelves empty and dealerships without new vehicles to sell. As a result, the industry will suffer a heavy blow, with billions of dollars lost in revenue.
Ford said the UAW’s counterproposal “showed little movement from the union’s initial demands submitted Aug. 3. If implemented, the proposal would more than double Ford’s current UAW-related labor costs, which are already significantly higher than the labor costs of Tesla, Toyota and other foreign-owned automakers in the United States that utilize non-union-represented labor.”
But what does this mean for the average person? Well, it means the prices of cars could rise, as companies struggle to make up for lost revenue. This is going to be not good for the economy, not good for our local sales for dealerships and not good for the consumer because it’s going to limit their choices.
As negotiations continue between the UAW and automakers, the future of the industry hangs in the balance. Will a resolution be reached, or will the auto industry slide further into chaos?
Everything’s about to get more expensive.
Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, analyst, author, and television host. A trusted car expert, Lauren provides an insider’s perspective on a wide range of automotive topics and aspects, energy, industry, consumer news, and safety issues.
Lauren is the CEO of Automotive Aspects and the Editor-in-Chief of Car Coach Reports, a global automotive news outlet. She is an automotive contributor to national and local television news shows, including Fox News, Fox Business, CNN International, The Weather Channel, Inside Edition, Local Now News, Community Digital News, and more. Lauren also co-hosts a regular show on ABC.com with Paul Brian called “His Turn – Her Turn” and hosts regular radio segments on USA Radio – DayBreak.
Lauren is honored to be inducted into the Women’s Transportation Hall of Fame and a Board Member of the Buffalo Motorcar Museum and Juror / President for the North American Car, Utility & Truck of the Year Awards.
Check her out on Twitter and Instagram @LaurenFix.
