UAW calls talks with Ford ‘productive’ as strike continues

Negotiations between the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Ford Motor have shown promise, with “reasonably productive discussions” reported. However, Chrysler parent Stellantis revealed that a proposal to reopen an idled Illinois factory has fallen through. Approximately 12,700 UAW workers continue their strike for a second day, targeting assembly plants at the three major U.S. automakers. Talks resumed with General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, but as of Saturday afternoon, no breakthrough had been reached. This strike, the first simultaneous action by all three automakers in the UAW’s 88-year history, followed a failure to secure a new contract by Thursday’s deadline.

The UAW is pushing for higher pay and protections for traditional auto jobs, especially in the face of increased investment in electric vehicle (EV) production. Stellantis increased its offer with proposed raises of 20 percent over a four-and-a-half-year contract term. However, this falls short of the UAW’s demand for a 40 percent wage increase by 2027. U.S. President Joe Biden urged automakers to enhance their offers, emphasizing the need for equitable sharing of profits with workers. Analysts caution that the strike, while currently limited, could escalate and pose a threat to the U.S. economy by disrupting production, raising vehicle prices, and exacerbating supply chain issues.

Source – CGTN