United Auto Workers President, Shawn Fain, announced on Thursday that the union is prepared to go on strike at various auto plants if a deal is not reached by the contract expiration deadline. The plants include General Motors Co.’s assembly plant in Wentzville, Missouri, Ford Motor Co.’s assembly plant in Wayne, Michigan, and Stellantis NV’s plant in Toledo, Ohio.
At the Wentzville plant, which is responsible for building GM’s mid-size trucks and full-size vans such as the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, Fain called for final-assembly and paint workers at the Ford’s Wayne plant to also strike. The vehicles produced at the Wayne plant include the popular Ford Broncos. Additionally, the Stellantis Toledo plant, known for manufacturing Jeep Gladiators and Wranglers, would also be affected by the strike.
During a recent update on Facebook Live, Fain emphasized the union’s commitment for a contract that acknowledges the “incredible sacrifices and contributions” made by UAW members. Shortly after Fain’s remarks, Ford stated that the UAW’s counterproposal showed minimal progress from the union’s initial demands six weeks ago.
It is important to note that a strike involving all three major U.S. automakers would deviate from UAW tradition. Historically, the union has concentrated its efforts on striking at one company in order to safeguard its strike fund and maximize its picket-line influence.
