UAW Prepares For Showdown With Detroit’s Big-3 Automakers

“We’re ready to fight,” declared United Auto Workers (UAW) Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock at the recently concluded Strike Assistance Conference held in Detroit’s MGM Grand. With more than 300 UAW leaders from across the country in attendance, the conference aimed to solidify plans and strategies for an impending battle with the Big-3 automakers in Detroit.

Guided by the UAW Strike Department under the stewardship of the Secretary-Treasurer’s office, the conference brought together UAW leaders who were determined to stand by their members in the face of adversity. “We will stand by your side during strikes, providing unwavering support,” affirmed Margaret Mock during her impassioned speech.

Building upon the resolute spirit, UAW President Shawn Fain delivered an address that left no room for compromise. Fain emphatically stated that the days of conceding ground were over for the UAW. Despite the Big-3 automakers’ record-breaking profits, calls for collaboration and tempered demands were met with skepticism. “Let’s talk to the people here right now from Belvidere Assembly Plant about what working together has done for them,” challenged Fain. He drew attention to the experiences of workers at various plants, including Lordstown Assembly, GM Powertrain in Warren, Ford’s Romeo Engine Plant, and many more.

Fain spotlighted the sobering reality of the automotive industry—65 plant closures or spin-offs in two decades. The dire need to halt this trend and secure well-paying jobs underscored his message. “We must have the power to mount a strong and effective strike,” emphasized Fain, underscoring the conference’s pivotal role in this pursuit.

Detailed presentations during the conference outlined practical strategies for supporting members during strikes. The gathering also facilitated a dynamic Q&A session that addressed the unique challenges faced by individual UAW locals. As President Fain put it, the leaders present at the conference would return to their respective locales “ready to rumble.”

“I’ve been told throughout this thing that we’ve set expectations too high … You’re damn right we have because our members have high expectations, and record profits demand record contracts,” Fain said on Sunday during a solidarity rally, repeating his now-famous campaign statement. “We have a plan, our plan is to bargain like hell and get the best deal for our membership.”

The solidarity rally at the UAW Region 1 offices in Warren came 25 days before the UAW’s four-year contract with the Detroit Big-3 expires on Sept. 14th.

However, the stakes extend beyond the union’s resolve. The Anderson Economic Group conducted an analysis that underscores the economic implications of a UAW strike against Detroit’s major automakers: Ford, General Motors (GM), and Stellantis. Their findings estimate potential economic losses exceeding $5 billion after just 10 days of a strike.

In this scenario, wage losses would amount to $859 million, while manufacturers could suffer losses amounting to $989 million. Even a strike involving only one automaker could trigger losses of approximately $665 million, considering both direct wages and broader ramifications. This projection takes into account historical events, including the 2019 UAW strike and other significant disruptions.

These figures come with a historical context. The 2019 UAW strike against GM, which spanned six weeks and involved around 50,000 workers, offers a comparative perspective. The potential 2023 strike holds the potential to dwarf this impact, involving more manufacturers, workers, and plants.

“Even a short strike would impact economies throughout Michigan and across the nation,” warned Anderson Economic Group CEO Patrick Anderson, alluding to the ripple effect on Michigan’s economy during the 2019 strike.

As contract negotiations continue, the possibility of a strike looms large, casting uncertainty over both the auto industry and Michigan’s economic landscape. The decisions made in the coming days will shape the future of labor relations and workers’ rights in the automotive sector. The union’s preparedness to fight for its members’ interests could set a precedent for labor-management dynamics across industries.