“Second Week, New Strike Locations: UAW’s Nationwide Walkout Goes On!

The United Auto Workers Union (UAW) announced a plan to broaden their strike for a second week as tensions between the Union and the Big Three automakers continue. The strike, which began on September 16, involves nearly 50,000 workers in nine states across the United States. The affected automakers are General Motors, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler. The UAW opposes cuts to workers’ wages, benefits, and job security that the companies are proposing. In the second week of the strike, the UAW has announced plans to expand the walkout by targeting new locations. The Union stated that there are now plans to strike at approximately 20 additional locations across the country. On Thursday, UAW President Gary Jones held a press conference to announce the strike expansion. Jones stated that the Union wants “fair wages, affordable quality health care, job security and a defined, secure pension for a brighter future.” The work stoppage has already had a significant economic impact on the Big Three. General Motors, the most affected by the strike, has estimated losses of over $1 billion. Ford and Fiat Chrysler have also had to scale back production and lay off workers as a result of the strike. The workers are hopeful that the strike expansion and their resilience will ultimately lead to their desired outcome. For their part, the automakers have maintained that they are working towards a solution that will benefit employees, as well as the companies. The strike expansion is yet another sign that the UAW is willing to go to great lengths to negotiate a successful agreement. The economic impact of the strike is likely to be felt by all parties involved if a resolution is not reached soon. With the Union’s commitment to the walkout in its second week, it appears that the battle for workers’ rights and their desired benefits is far from over.