The UAW unveils major plan if talks with Big 3 automakers fail: The ‘stand up strike’

United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain has announced a strategic “stand up strike” plan, to be enacted if negotiations with the Big Three automakers do not result in a new contract agreement by the approaching deadline.

Plan revealed: President Fain outlined his “stand up strike” strategy on Facebook Live on Wednesday.
* In case of failed negotiations, UAW union members will execute sudden strikes at strategic, targeted auto plants, with more locations potentially following.
* The aim is to keep companies such as Stellantis, Ford and GM uncertain about potential disruptions to their operations, thereby boosting union’s bargaining power.

Sticking points: The union and the Big Three automakers remain far apart in their contract negotiations.
* Fain reported that Ford, General Motors and Stellantis have upped their pay raise proposals, but not above 20%, falling short of the union’s 40% request.
* Additionally, the companies have rejected the union’s pension and retiree healthcare proposals, and other economic issues are yet to be agreed upon.

Historical context: This targeted strike strategy is new to the UAW’s playbook, potentially offering “maximum flexibility.”
* Historically, UAW strikes have seen all union members at a single company walking off the job simultaneously.
* The new “stand up strike” strategy is reminiscent of the sit-down strikes of the 1930s.

Looking ahead: Unless new contracts are agreed upon, strikes may begin anytime after the current contracts expire just before midnight on Thursday.
* Workers at selected plants will walk off the job initially, while others will continue working under expired contracts.
* Fain, other top UAW leaders, and Senator Bernie Sanders will attend a rally in Detroit on Friday, no matter the negotiations’ outcome.

View original article on NPR

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