UAW Strike Expands As 7,000 More Workers Join Picket Lines

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has escalated its strike at major American car manufacturers, extending the dispute over pay and benefits into its third week.

The UAW initially demanded a roughly 40% pay increase over four years and an end to practices that result in lower pay and fewer benefits for newer hires. I Photo: UAW International Union Facebook

Union leader Shawn Fain announced that an additional 7,000 employees at Ford and General Motors factories are joining the picket lines, as reported by BBC News.

This latest action did not include Stellantis, signaling progress in negotiations with that company, according to Fain. The strike initially involved around 18,000 workers, creating uncertainty for the U.S. economy.

Both U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, who is seeking re-election, visited the Detroit area this week to address the labor dispute, which comes amid simmering labor tensions across the country.

The UAW initially demanded a roughly 40% pay increase over four years and an end to practices that result in lower pay and fewer benefits for newer hires, among other requests.

The car companies countered with an offer of approximately a 20% pay increase and some other concessions, arguing that the union's demands would hinder their long-term investment capabilities.

UAW leader Mr. Fain encouraged the approximately 150,000 union members employed by the three car manufacturers to stand firm as negotiations continue.

WEEKLY FEATURE : Jose Mari Chan And The Christmas Anthem