UAW President Shawn Fain Takes New Approach in Contract Talks with Detroit Automakers

During this year’s contract talks with General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis, United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain is leading the union with a different strategy. Fain aims to gain national support for organized labor while taking on “corporate greed” and the multibillion-dollar automakers. Fain has successfully put the UAW in the national spotlight through savvy political strategies and powerful social media messages.

Confrontational and Critical Negotiations Begin

The negotiations, described as “different,” “confrontational,” and “costly,” began with a unique “members’ handshake” between international UAW leaders and plant workers, symbolizing the union’s defiance against corporate CEOs. The talks are expected to be challenging, with concerns about job loss due to the industry’s transition to electric vehicles.

Complexity with Canadian Union Adds to Negotiations

Simultaneously, the UAW is also coordinating contract talks with the Canadian union Unifor, creating competition for future investments and jobs. Although the two unions have shown solidarity, negotiations are expected to become even more complex.

UAW’s Aggressive Approach

Fain’s approach this year challenges the traditional defensive position of the UAW. He aims to be aggressive and offensive in negotiations while organizing elected officials instead of being organized by them. The union has also chosen not to endorse President Joe Biden until he addresses UAW concerns about the industry’s shift to electric vehicles.

Potential for Strikes and Significant Losses for Automakers

With the possibility of work stoppages on the table, it is estimated that a strike could cost automakers hundreds of millions of dollars per week in losses.

Focus on Fair Wages and Benefits

The UAW is committed to pursuing fair wages, the reinstatement of cost-of-living adjustments, and improvements in health care for union members. They are also addressing concerns about the impact of electric vehicle adoption on jobs and worker well-being.

Negotiations with Leading Automakers Begin

The negotiations will take place with each automaker separately, starting with Stellantis and followed by Ford and General Motors. All three contracts are set to expire in September, and the UAW hopes to secure favorable agreements for its approximately 150,000 members.

UAW Continues Push for Worker Rights and a Just Transition

Alongside the contract negotiations, the UAW is also addressing worker safety and concerns at the Ultium Cells battery plant in Ohio, a joint venture between GM and LG Energy Solution. They believe that the GM national agreement could provide a solution to the issues faced at the plant.