UAW announces win on future GM battery plants, strike continues

UAW announces win on future GM battery plants; strike continues

Fain announced the strike would not be expanded at this time
United Auto Workers have been striking since Sept. 14
The workers want a 30% pay raise and cost of living increases

Updated: Oct 6, 2023 / 02:02 PM CDT

FLINT – SEPTEMBER 25: Members of the United Auto Workers strike in front of the General Motors Flint Truck Assembly Plant September 25, 2007 in Flint, Michigan. The UAW called a nationwide strike yesterday against GM, its first in 31 years, after a settlement had not been reached by an 11 a.m. deadline September 24. The UAW has been negotiating with GM on a new contract, with health care issues being of primary importance. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

(NewsNation) — United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain gave an update on progress made in negotiating with the big three automakers, including a win on the future of General Motors electric battery plants, announcing the strike is not being expanded again just yet.

Fain announced GM agreed to place electric battery manufacturing un under the union’s national master agreement after UAW threatened to strike at the company’s biggest money maker in Texas. Fain called it a win against a “race to the bottom” when it comes to drawing down production of gas-powered engines and transmissions and increasing production of electric vehicle batteries.

Fain announced other progress in negotiations, including wage offers at 23% from Ford and about 20% from GM and Stellantis, numbers that don’t yet meet the union’s demands. Fain also announced progress on negotiations regarding cost of living allowances and wages for temporary workers.

However, Fain noted there is still work to be done on pay, pensions, cost sharing and job security provisions for workers. While he said the union would not be expanding the strike at this time, he said members were prepared to expand strikes if needed as negotiations continue.

“This strike is about righting the wrongs of the past and getting justice for our members,” Fain said.

Pay disputes are at the heart of the strike. The union is seeking 30% raises for workers, which they say is in line with pay raises received by auto CEOs, as well as the reinstatement of cost-of-living adjustments meant to insulate workers from the impacts of inflation.

President Joe Biden visited striking workers, the first time a sitting president has done so, and former President Donald Trump also visited autoworkers at a non-union factor, both seeking support from unions ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

In response to the ongoing talks, some automakers have laid off non-union workers while the UAW has expanded the strike to more facilities. Suppliers who rely on orders from automakers have also started to lay people off as the strike has continued.