When I was in Michigan, all the local news reports focused on the then-impending strike by the United Auto Workers. Since then, the union has expanded its strike from a few plants to 38 locations in 20 states.
The United Auto Workers union expanded its strike against major carmakers Friday, walking out of all 38 parts-distribution centers operated by General Motors and Jeep and Ram owner Stellantis in 20 states but sparing Ford from further shutdowns….Ford avoided additional strikes because the company has met some of the union’s demands during negotiations over the past week, UAW President Shawn Fain said during an online presentation to union members.“We’ve made some real progress at Ford,” Fain said. “We still have serious issues to work through, but we do want to recognize that Ford is showing that they are serious about reaching a deal. At GM and Stellantis, it’s a different story.”Fain said GM and Stellantis, the successor to Fiat Chrysler, have rejected the union’s proposals for cost-of-living increases, profit sharing and job security, and “are going to need some serious pushing.”
Given this is a presidential campaign year, the two men currently “in the lead” for their respective parties are vying to gain favor with the striking employees. Both plan to visit the battleground state of Michigan this week.
President Joe Biden will visit striking auto workers on the picket line in Michigan on Tuesday – one day before Donald Trump stops in Detroit to do the same. ‘Tuesday, I’ll go to Michigan to join the picket line and stand in solidarity with the men and women of UAW as they fight for a fair share of the value they helped create. It’s time for a win-win agreement that keeps American auto manufacturing thriving with well-paid UAW jobs,’ Biden announced on social media….Trump will be in Detroit on Wednesday night for a primetime address to auto workers. The former president has opted to do that than attend the second Republican primary debate.It’s unclear if he’ll visit the picket line. Fain has been sharply critical of Trump. But the former president is heavily courting the union for its endorsement. Michigan is an important state in the presidential election. Trump won it in 2016 but lost it to Biden in 2020. Trump has said Biden’s push for electric cars is a threat to auto workers.
Frankly, there is nobody to really cheer for here. The unions had to give many concessions when two of the Big Three automobile companies nearly went bankrupt in 2008. Furthermore, they are not helped by their elite corporate boxes supporting senseless and destructive “climate crisis” policies.
Republicans have pinned the strike on Biden administration EV policy, saying efforts to encourage the production of electric vehicles has pushed jobs out of UAW strongholds in the midwest and weakened the union.“I also think that this green agenda that’s using taxpayer dollars to drive our automotive economy into EVs is understandably causing great anxiety among UAW members,” Former Vice President Mike Pence said last week. “These guys are seeing the Green New Deal that was passed under the guise of the Inflation Reduction Act, they’re seeing it drive their industry into EVs, benefiting China that makes most of our batteries.”The UAW has shared similar concerns, citing EV policy as the main reason the union has not yet endorsed Biden’s reelection campaign.
However, the unions have had unwavering support for the Democrats. The UAW endorsed Biden in 2020…so they are welcome to embrace the full suckage of his policies.
Additionally, the union leadership is taking time out of its strike activities to target Senator Tim Scott (R-SC).
The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has filed a labor complaint against Republican presidential candidate and U.S. Senator Tim Scott after his suggestion that auto workers on strike should be terminated.Shawn Fain, the president of UAW, filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, claiming Scott’s remarks earlier this week violated federal labor law and in making those remarks he was in violation of the right to strike.
There are no winners here, and the American consumer and taxpayer are likely to be the big losers.
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