United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain has called on members to vote in favor of authorizing a strike as the union’s contract with the Big 3 automakers nears its expiration date.
In a message to members on Tuesday, Fain requested that they begin voting on the strike authorization and submit their results by August 24th.
“Our priorities are clear, the companies can afford them, and there’s plenty of time for the Big Three to get serious about these negotiations,” Fain said.
The UAW’s contract with Ford, GM, and Stellantis is set to expire on September 14th. The union has been engaged in negotiations for months, but progress has been slow, according to Fain.
UAW leadership is pushing for improvements in living standards, the elimination of the two-tiered employment system, and a historic 40% wage increase. However, automakers have rejected the wage increase demand, arguing that it would hamper their ability to compete in a rapidly changing market.
The impasse between the two sides raises the likelihood of a strike, which could involve around 150,000 workers.
The UAW may feel encouraged by the recent agreement between UPS and the Teamster Union, which included substantial wage increases and similar changes to employment practices that the UAW is seeking.
